Mirza Welkin clinch Al Dhaid Invitation T20
sharjah — A splendid unbeaten half century from Baber Ghanzenfer guided Mirza Welkin past the UAE Lions by 73 runs to clinch the newly-launched Al Dhaid Invitation T20 tournament.
Batting first after winning the toss, Mirza Welkin Abdul Shakoor (30, 29b, 3x4) and Prince Pannu (38, 23b, 4x5) shared a superb 79-run stand for the second wicket.
Fayyaz Ahmed chipped in with 27 from just 14 balls including two boundaries and two sixes before Baber Ghazanfer was at his devastating best to fire a dozen sixes to fire an unbeaten 82 from just 30 balls.
Amjad Ali (22, 6b, 2x4, 2x6) and Wali Khan (23, 12b, 2x4, 1x4) played fine cameos as Mirza Welkin secured 245 for six in 20 overs. For UAE Lions, Imran claimed two wickets.
In reply, UAE Lions got of to fairly decent start with Khuram Barvi and Fawad Jaleel who scored 32 and 38 respectively but none of the other batsmen could do much as UAE Lions managed to reach only 172 for seven in 20 overs.
For the winners, Faiyyaz Ahmed claimed three wickets in his four overs.
The trophies for the winning team and runner-up were awarded by Mazhar Khan of Sharjah Cricket Council.
Brief scores: Mirza Welkin CC beat UAE Lions by 73 runs. Mirza Welkin: 245/6 in 20 overs (Abdul Shakoor 30, Prince Pannu 38, Fayyaz Ahmed 27, Baber Ghazanfar 82, Amjad Gul 22, Wali Khan 23 not out; Imran Gorsi 2/53).
UAE Lions: 172/7 in 20 overs (Khuram Barvi 32, Fawad Jaleel 38, Imran Gorsi 18; Fayyaz Ahmed 3/32). Man of the match: Babar Ghazanfar. Champions: Mirza Welkin Runner-up: UAE Lions Man of the Match: Baber Ghazenfer (Mirza Welkin) Best batsman: M.Yasir (TNS) Best Bowler: Naeem Saiful (UAE Lions)
Player of the Tournament: Baber Ghazenfer (Mirza Welkin)