Uniforge Bhatkal stun Yogi, enters Dulsco Semi Final

DUBAI: Uniforge Bhatkal CC stunned Yogi Group by four wickets to move into the semi-finals of the 9thDulsco Ramadan Cricket tournament being played at Zabeel Park, Dubai.

Two half-centuries by Mukhtar and Krishna Kumar who also claimed two wickets, saw Bhatkal surprise in-form Yogi Group in the first quarter-final played on Sunday night.

The 20-over tournament is being organized by Dulsco Sports Club in association with Dubai Municipality and played under the aegis of the Dubai Cricket Council.

Electing to bat first Yogi Group piled up 194 runs for the loss of five wickets but Bhatkal reached the victory target with one ball to spare.

This is the second year Bhatkal has proved a nemesis for the Yogi Group. Bhatkal who were runners-up last year, had edged out Yogi Group at this stage.

Opener Amjed Javed carried his bat through with an unbeaten 92 but could not prevent Bhatkal from taking the honours.

Javed hit six sixes and an equal number of fours and faced 59 deliveries. Shaiman Butt 33, Mohammed Ajmal (25 not out) and Prabodhan Kanse 14 were the others who contributed to Yogi's innings.

Krishna Kumar was the most successful bowler for the winners claiming the important wickets of Butt and Naeemudin whilst conceding 13 runs. Waqas bowled two for 54 while Sandeep picked up one for 37.

Requiring to score over nine runs per over, Bhatkal began their chase badly losing opener Abdul Rahman on 10. Krishna Kumar and Mohammed Umer then steadied their innings but the latter fell to Kamran after contributing 20. Krishna shouldered the responsibility and got the chase on line with a well made 54 from 41 deliveries reaching over the fence on four occasions. He was finally caught off the bowling of Awadhoot Amonkar but then he had ensured that his team remain in line for a surprise victory. Mukhtar scored a valuable 59 before he was out hit wicket after he hit five sixes and two fours. Sameer Zia and Sameer Nayak remained not out of 15 and 18 respectively to see their team home with one ball to spare. Vikrant Shetty chipped in 14.

Kamran claimed two wickets for 19 runs while Ajmal, Ambey Parvatkar, Salman and Awadhoot Amonkar picked up one each.

Krishna of Uniforge Bhatkal was named the man of the match for his half-century and two wickets.

Brief scores

Uniforge Bhatkal CC beat Yogi Group by four wickets.

Yogi Group 194 for 5 (Amjed Javed 92*, Shaiman Butt 33, Mohammed Ajmal 25*, Prabhodan Kanse 14; Krishna Kumar 2/13, Waqas 2/54).

Bhatkal CC 195 in 19.5 overs (Mukhtar 59, Krishna Kumar 54, Mohammed Umer 20, Sameer Nayak 18*, Sameer Zia 15*, Vicky Shetty 14, Abdul Rehman 10; Kamran 2/19).

Man of the match: Krishna Kumar of Bhatkal CC.