Mehran hits 30-ball ton as Oman players impress in Bahrain T20
MUSCAT: A sensational 30ball century by Mehran Khan is the most talked about innings as Oman players made their mark in the T20 Arabian Cricket Carnival in Bahrain.
As many as 11 players from Oman are taking part in the inaugural edition of the Carnival being organised by Bahrain Cricket Centre (BCC) and KHK MMA Bahrain at the National Stadium in Isa Town.
According to information received, the Oman players impressed on the first two day’s action in the six-team event while representing their respective teams.
However, it’s Mehran Khan’s stunning match-winning century for Saudi Arabian Rangers in their victory over Bahrain Bravehearts. In a closely-contested match on Saturday, the Bravehearts piled up 216 for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs.
While fielding, the Rangers’ Oman players had quite an ordinary outing with Mehran Khan claiming one wicket for 23 runs in three overs and Jatinder Singh went wicket less conceding 12 runs in the only over he bowled.
However, it was a different story when they started their chase. Mehran took the fight to the oppo- sition, his lusty blows leaving the Bravehearts in a daze.
After completing his century in 30 balls, Mehran remained unbeaten on 107 off just 32 balls as the Rangers achieved their target, scoring 220 for seven in 18.1 overs. Though Mehran’s knock included just one four, he blasted as many as 15 sixes.
Another Oman player who has been roped in by the Rangers is Khawar Ali.
Sufyan, Amir Ali shine
Meanwhile, Dubai Destroyers, represented by Sultanate’s Sufyan Mahmood, Yousuf Rahim Al Balushi amd Amir Ali, began their campaign with two back-to-back victories. In the first match, the Dubai Destroyers successfully chased the 143-run target set by Kuwait Crusaders, with Omani star Sufyan Mahmood and Amir Ali involving in a crucial 45-run partnership before the latter saw the team home.
In their second match, Dubai Destroyers eased to a 70-run win over Emirates Hurricanes.
Sufyan Mahmood once again made a vital contribution, with a 19-ball unbeaten knock of 36 runs, including two fours and three sixes, as the Destroyers scored 171 for seven in 20 overs. Then they went on to bowl out Emirates Hurricanes for 101 in 13.1 overs with Amir Ali claiming two wickets in his quota of four overs.
The other players from Oman playing in the Carnival are Sajjad Khan and Bilal Khan for Kuwait Crusaders, Aaqib Ilyas for Oman Avengers and Babar Ali and Fayyaz Butt for Bahrain Bravehearts.
Learning experience
Meanwhile, Sufyan Mahmood speaking to Times Sport from Bahrain said: “It is a learning experience for all us. I have scored a boundary off (Pakistan pacer) Abdur Rauf Khan (of Kuwait Crusaders). It’s a good feeling.. to make such a start.” Full story @ timesofoman.com/sports