Jaleel steers Uniforge Bhatkal into quarters of Dulsco cricket

DUBAI: Abdul Jaleel's half-century steered Uniforge Bhatkal past Carfare XI Dubai by five wickets in the 9th Dulsco Ramadan Cricket Tournament played at Zabeel Park cricket Grounds Dubai.

Bhatkal will take on Winners of Jashanmahal/Yogi in the quarterfinals on Sunday, September 20.

The 20-over tournament is being organised by Dulsco SC in association with the Dubai Municipality and is being played under the auspices of the Dubai Cricket Council.

Carfare XI Dubai, batting first on winning the toss, set up a target of 171 runs for Bhatkal, which Uniforge reached with two balls two spare.

Jaleel scored 65 from 28 balls and hit six towering sixes and four boundaries as he made it easy for his team to reach the target.

Taking the first strike, Carfare XI made a sedate start losing opener Aashish on 17 after he was caught off Mukhtar bowling for 5.

Ten runs later Carfare lost their second wicket when the other opener Kashif Butt was bowled by Mukhtar for 23. Butt scored 23 from 16 balls and hit one six and reached the fence thrice during his stay at the crease.

Harkirat, who came in at the fall of Aashish, then steadied Carfare XI innings, despite seeing wickets falling at the other end.

He remained unbeaten on 67 made with the help of two sixes and three fours and faced 51 deliveries.

Baber contributed 10 while the rest of the batsmen failed to reach double-digit figures as Carfare XI scored 170 runs for the loss of eight wickets.

Mukhtar was the most successful bowler for the winners claiming three wickets whilst conceding 34 runs in his four-over spell. Sandeep picked up two for 33 while Vicky, Sameer and Mohsin bagged one each.

Needing a run rate of 8.5 per over, Bhatkal made a steady start. Despite losing opener Zia Quazi (19) on 27, one-down Jaleel and Kader maintained the required run rate and kept the scoreboard ticking. Kader departed on 91 after contributing 20 from 21 balls but Jaleel continued with aggressiveness and completed his half-century and also helped his team cross the 100 mark. Jaleel was finally bowled by Hari for 65 which included six sixes and four boundaries.

Bhatkal lost Mukhtar and Mohsin cheaply but Vikrant and Sameer saw their team through with two balls to spare. Vikrant was not out on 28 while Sameer hit an unbeaten 26 as Bhatkal romped home losing five wickets.

A Jaleel of Uniforge Bhatkal was named the man of the match.

Yogi Group meet Jashanmal National Co. in the last pre-quarters on Saturday, September 18. The final is scheduled for Saturday, September 25.

Brief scores

Uniforge Bhatkal beat Carfare XI by 5 wickets.

Carfare XI Dubai 170 for 8 (Harkirat 67*, Kaleem 31, Kashif B 23, Baber 10; Mukhtar 3/34, Sandeep 2/33). Bhatkal 176 for 5 (Jaleel 65, Vikrant 28, Sameer 26, Omar 20, Zia Quazi 19; Hari 2/16). Man of the match: A Jaleel of Uniforge Bhatkal.