Saleem and Abdul shine in Sharjah’s title victory
dubai — Sharjah Cricket Council men’s and U-19 teams were felicitated by Khalaf Bukhatir, vice chairman of the Sharjah Cricket Council, after they emerged champions in the Inter-Emirates UAE Cricket League 2018.
In the men’s team, Sharjah Cricket Council defeated Dubai Cricket Council by eight wickets. Batting first, Dubai Cricket Council amassed 117 for nine in 20 overs thanks to fine half century from Mohammad Qasim. His 56 came off 51 in four boundaries and two sixes while Mohammad Yasir Ali chipped in with 24 off 22 balls. For Sharjah Cricket Council, Mohammad Naveed Saleem bagged four wickets and Saif Ullah picked two.
In reply, Abdul Shakoor Sher scored an unbeaten 58 from 56 balls consisting of nine boundaries while Rohan Mustafa smashed a 37-ball 42 peppered with two boundaries and as many sixes.
In the under-19 final, Sharjah Cricket Council posted 178 in 43.5 overs. Brandon Martis top scored with 56 while Neil Rohan Lobo chipped in with 33 and Ilyas Ahmed hit 26.
In reply, Dubai Cricket Council came close but fell short by four runs to be all out at 174 in 48.4 overs.G Fernandas and B Martis took three wickets each while Shawn Shibu George and Neil Rohan Lobo claimed two each.
The tournament saw four councils of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman participate in the event showcasing the best of the UAE talent in the U-16, U-19 and the men’s teams. At a glittering ceremony hosted at the Sharjah stadium, both teams were awarded with certificates while the men’s team was also given a cash incentive of Dh25,000.
Speaking on the occasion, Khalaf Bukhatir said, “I would like to wish the Sharjah team members for their collective effort in winning the prestigious championship for Sharjah. Such good performances augurs well for our budding cricketers as this is the right pathway to represent UAE in international arena.”