Teams gear up for SAIB quarters

RIYADH – The round 9 of the SAIB T20 Tournament witnessed thrilling matches in Riyadh recently. The tournament is organized by Riyadh Cricket Association (RCA) and sponsored by Saudi Arabian Investment Bank (SAIB). In Huraymala League, Punjab Stars defeated KFSH Green by 79 runs. Punjab Stars scored 179-3. Zaheer hit 49 and Nouman 36. KFSH Green was bundled out for 100. Asif Ali bowled brilliantly and took 4-24 while Touseef claimed 3 wickets. Kashmir Strikers beat GK IISC by 6 wickets and booked its spot in the quarterfinals. GK IISC posted 147-4. Shahid blasted 37 and Shahnawaz 35. Faizan Kashoo took 2 wickets. Strikers reached the target in 16.4 overs as Asim scored 54 and Ishfaq 25. Shahnawaz bagged 2 wickets. Riyadh Fighters thumped Swat Tigers by 55 runs in a low-scoring match. Riyadh Fighters was all out for 97. Israr and Zardad bagged 3 wickets each. Haroon added 36. Swat Tigers, in reply, managed a meagre 42. Majid Khan bowled brilliantly and picked up 5 wickets while Bilal got 3 and Haroon 2. Falcons thrashed Fonte Stars by 4 runs to confirm its berth in the quarterfinals. Falcons posted 150-8. Zahid scored 40 and Farrukh 32. Afaq picked up 4 wickets. Fonte Stars managed 146-7. Sultan managed 42. Zahid claimed 2 wickets.