Phoenix and IMG enter Bukhatir League’s semi-finals

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

InterGlobe Marine (IMG) and Karwan Strikers booked their berths in the semi-finals of the Bukhatir League with contrasting wins in their respective games.

IMG defeated Karwan Strikers by 189 runs while Phoenix won their game against Vision Shipping by 129 runs played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Both Sandeep Singh (133) and Basil Hameed (122) scored a century each as IGM posted a huge total of 406/4 in their allotted 50 overs. Hafeez ur Rehman picked up 2/79 for Karwan Strikers.

Chasing, Strikers were never in hunt as they kept on losing the wickets at regular intervals and were bundled out for a 217/10.

Jiju Janardhan waged a war single handedly with a gritty 100 while Saqib Azeem 29, Shahan Akram 24 also provided some stability to the innings. Harry Bharwal was the pick of the bowler for IGM as he returned with a figure of 6/27.

In the other game, Phoenix Medicines defeated Vision Shipping by 129 runs. Batting first, Phoenix posted a fighting total 276/10.

Rohan Mustafa smashed 80 while Vritya Aravind scored 54. Ansh Tandon (23) and Muhammad Usman (27) were the main cotributors.

Jawad Ghani and Intzar Ali picked three wickets each, conceding 3 and 37 runs respectively while Shah Nawaz claimed 2/62.

In reply, Vision Shipping were restricted to 147/10. Matiullah Khan was the wrecker in chief as he accounted ofr the dismissal of four batsmen to return with a figure of 4/28 and Mustafa picked 3/36.

Earlier, in the concluding round games of the tournament, MGM Orakzai defeated Scafa Defenders Academy by seven wickets, Pacific Group beat Gforce Cricket Academy by nine wickets, Phoenix Medicines defeated Karwan Strikers by six wickets and Karwan Strikers Blues stunned favorites Bukhatir XI by two wickets.

Alishan Sharafu smashed a fluent 40-ball 92 with the help of 11 fours and six sixes as Pacific cruised to target for the loss of one wicket.

Tahir Ali did well for Karwan Strikers Blues to pick up 5/36.