MADINAH — Taiba XI set up a showdown with Al-Hateem in final of Madinah Cricket League, SCCT20 Cup tournament with contrasting victories.

In first semifinal, Taiba XI held off Pak United’s charge for an 8-run victory. Taiba openers came out with all guns blazing with Omer Sohail on fire from ball one. Javed gave good support but it was Omer who called the shot, making 89 off 38 balls. Barkat contributed 36 runs as Taiba racked up 213 runs. Asif, Imran and Ajmal took one wicket each. United then gave chase with Kashif, who scored 47, and Abbas, who hit 30, failing to build on their starts, as United fell short. Abdullah and Akram took two wickets each to check the scoring. Man of the match was Omer Suhail.

In the second semifinal, favorites Al-Hateem sustained their winning run against Madinah Eagles with Mudassir carrying on his exceptional form into the semifinal as well by smashing 95 runs off 33 balls along with opening partner Khalid, who scored 83 from 35 balls. Arslan Mushtaq then hit a quickfire 46 to rip the Eagles’ bowling as Al-Hateem posted 285, the highest total of the tournament. Dawood, Sadaqat and Bilal took a wicket each. In reply, Eagles were always behind the rate as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Hashim scored a gutsy 36 along with Haider, who scored 27. It was too little as Eagles fell short by 83 runs. Waseem and Hammad Saeed kept the pressure on, finishing with 3 wickets each. Man of the match was Mudassir. — SG