Advantage Motors seal thrilling win in UAQ T20 cricket
UMM AL QUWAIN — In a match that went down to the wire, Advantage Motors LLC held their nerves to register a five-run victory over Zulekha Cricket Club in the UAQ T20 Premier League, a Press release said.
The tournament — organised by Umm Al Quwain Cricket Club under the supervision of Emirates Cricket Board — is being played under the auspices of Ajman Cricket Council and Domestic Cricket Development Committee. It was a match to remember as over 500 runs, including two sensational centuries, were scored in a twenty20 match.
It was one of the highest totals ever in a T20 match in Umm Al Quwain tournaments.
Put in to bat, Advantage Motors were propelled by some amazing hitting as they posted an impressive 253 for six in 20 overs.
Mohammad Salman Randhawa was the top batsman as he toyed with the Zulekha Cricket Club bowlers hammering them all over the park. His 102 came off just 40 deliveries as he hammered seven boundaries and as many sixes during his stay. Hafeez Afridi (21, 17b, 3x4) and Zawar Farid (39, 15b, 7x4, 1x6) laid the early foundation for Advantage Motors while Umer Shah (27, 20b, 1x4, 2x6) and Ebrahim Mudassir (35, 14b, 4x4, 2x6) were the one to provide the perfect finishing touches as the score sailed past the 250-run mark.
Not many would have thought the match would turn into an interesting battle considering the mammoth target Zulekha Cricket Club had to chase but Bilal Irshad proved everyone wrong as he emerged to be at his aggressive best.
The chase gained momentum when Maqsood Hassan (40, 22b, 2x4, 2x6) and Dawood Ijaz (48, 29b, 7x4, 3x6) put on quick runs despite the loss of an early wicket.
Irshad carried on the good work and took the chase into a different level as he hammered eight boundaries and seven sixes to reach his century in just 39 balls.
But with a big hit needed off the last ball, Bilal could not help his team sail past the target as Zulekha Cricket Club had to disappointingly wrap up on 248 for seven. Brief scores: Advantage Motors LLC bt Zulekha Cricket Club by 5 runs. Advantage Motors: 253/6 in 20 overs (Zawar Farid 39, Mohammad Salman Randhawa 102 not out, Ebrahim Mudassir 35; Adnan Khan 2/37, Waqas Raja 2/35). Zulekha Cricket Club: 248/7 in 20 overs (Dawood Ijaz 48, Bilal Irshad 100no; Shafaqat Ali 3/27). MOM: Mohammad Salman Randhawa of Advantage Motors.