Imran Tahir in action during a match. File

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

A fine display of splendid bowling spells from South Africa’s legendary leg spinner Imran Tahir and Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Muhammad Amir and three centuries provided an electrifying start to CBFS T20 tournament at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Playing for InterGlobe Marine, the ever-green Imran Tahir bagged five wickets for 21 well backed by Muhammad Amir (3 for 21).

The century makers were InterGlobe Marines’ Asif Khan and Brother Gas’ Hamdan Tahir and Tanveer Javed.

The tournament took off with MGM Cricket Club recording an eight-wicket win over Savannah Lions Cricket Club and InterGlobe Marine scoring an emphatic 146-runs victory over The Vision Shipping.  

The first match on the second day saw Brothers Gas defeat Savannah Lions Cricket Club by 93 runs. These matches also witnessed some fine bowling from Brother Gas’s Muhammad Azhar (4 for 21) and MGM Cricket Club’s Danish Qureshi (3 for 12).

Electing to field first, MGM Cricket Club restricted Lions to 101 for 7and chased down the target in just 11.1 overs.

One-drop batsman Muhammad Kaleem and Waqas Ali, through unbeaten knocks, carried their team to the target in just 11.1 overs. Kaleem’s unbeaten 31 off 26 balls had four boundaries and one six while Ali’s unconquered 44 came off 28 balls with four boundaries and two sixes.

The Vision Shipping won the toss and elected to field.  InterGlobe Marine openers Asif Khan and Rizwan CP gave a splendid start putting on a 134 runs partnership in 12 overs.

Asif Khan remained unbeaten with a majestic 125 that came off 65 balls with 12 boundaries and six sixes and ensured InterGlobe Marine a whopping total of 232 for 3 in 20 overs.

Vision Shipping not only cracked under the pressure of a huge score but also the skills of the experienced South African leg spinner Imran Tahir and the deadly swing from Pakistan pacer Muhammad Amir.  

Three down for 10 runs in 2.1 overs, Vision Shipping slipped to more disaster when Imran Tahir too began to strike. Tahir completed his five wicket spell by clean bowling Sajjad Malook for 1.

Vision Shipping’s innings lasted only 14.3 overs and they were all out for paltry 86 runs while InterGlobe Marine sailed to an emphatic 146 runs victory.

Brothers Gas won the toss and opted to bat. Riding on Hamdan Tahir century, Brothers Gas posted a total of 251 for 5 in 20 overs. and restricted Savannah Lions to 93.