Maqsood’s centruy helps Defenders thrash Globelink

dubai — Syed Maqsood threw caution to the wind on his way to a hurricane century during Defenders’ seven-wicket win over Globelink West Star Shipping in the DCC Gold Cup cricket tournament organised by the Dubai Cricket Council at the ICCA ground.

Globelink won the toss and gladly opted to bat.

Laxman S and Renjith Mani put Defenders on the back foot with 91 runs for the first wicket.

Laxman was the aggressor as he slammed nine sixes on his way to a 39-ball 55, while Renjith chipped in with 37. Anfal PM struck a six and three fours for his 41 from 32 balls and Vineeth V contributed 33 from 28 balls (2x6, 1x4) as Globelink posted 200 for 9 in 25 overs.

But Defenders made that total look small when openers Ashfaq Ahmed and man-of-the-match Syed Maqsood walked in to bat. Both batsmen went hammer and tongs at the Globelink bowlers.

Ashfaq departed scoring a quick 37 from 28 balls with a six and four fours. Their partnership of 140plus runs had done enough damage to Globelink. Maqsood was in a different league altogether. He continued to pulverise the Globelink bowlers by launching them for eight sixes and a dozen fours on his way to 106 from only 35 balls. Fari Kazmi (20 n.o.) and Fahad Tariq (23 n.o.) ensured Defenders won in 16.3 overs.

Mohammad Boota and Hafeez Kaleem played stellar roles in Car Fare Chargers’ two successive wins. Boota struck 71 and Kaleem 49 as Car Fare thumped Fly Emirates by four wickets.

In another match Kaleem reached 74 and Boota 54 as Car Fare trounced Abu Dhabi Gymkhana by 66 runs. In both matches Waheed Ahmed too made valuable contributions of 35 and 30 not out.