Waseem and Kaleem put Phoenix in Bukhatir final
dubai — Stunning batting performances from Muhammad Waseem and Hafiz Kaleem ensured Phoenix Medicines earned a massive 154-run victory over Multiplex International to book a berth in the final of the 44th Bukhatir Premier League 2018 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Multiplex’s decision to put Phoenix Medicines turned out to be disastrous as openers Muhammad Waseem and Hafiz Kaleem entered the ground determined to spend quality time as both went on to accomplish impressive centuries.
From the start both looked in a comfort zone as the duo added a massive 244 runs in the 28 overs they were in the middle.
Hafiz Kaleem was the aggressive one as he dealt mostly in the big ones. His brilliant 154 came off just 87 deliveries and was studded with seven boundaries and 16 sixes.
Muhammad Waseem was a tad slow smashing 139 from 119 balls peppered with 10 fours and half a dozen sixes. A middle order collapse meant the run flow slowed down a bit, but Ayoub Inayat and Amir Hayat’s unbroken 51-run partnership for the eighth wicket meant Multiplex bowlers could not stop them cross the 400-run mark.
Ayoub Inayat hit 41 off 17 deliveries including three boundaries and as many sixes while Amir Hayat hit 25 not out from just eight deliveries containing three fours and two sixes as Phoenix Medicine amassed 421 for seven in 50 overs.
Chasing an imposing target, Multiplex began on a positive note with openers Ali Zeeshan (50, 32b, 4x4, 3x6) and Balwinder Singh (62, 59, 6x4, 3x6) sharing 73 runs for the first wicket.
But after their departure a few wickets fell in quick succession to put Multiplex in the backseat.
Haroon Ahmed cracked a 33ball 52 and Saleem A Raheem hit 45 off 42 ball to provide a small hope but after their departure it was just a formality as Multiplex could only muster 267 for nine in 39.5 overs. For the winners, Rohan Phoenix Medicines: 421/7 in 50 overs (Muhammad Waseem 139, Hafiz Kaleem 154, ayoub Inayat 41 not out, amir Hayat 25 not out; ahmad naseem 2/56). Multiplex International: 267/9 in 39.5 overs (ali Zeeshan 50, Balwinder Singh 62, Haroon ahmed 52, Saleem a Raheem 45; Rohan Mustafa 2/68, Riaz Khaliq 2/56, Muhammad Usman 2/12). Mustafa, Riaz Khaliq and Muhammad Usman all claimed two wickets each.