Azizia Deccan, IOE, Gladiators and JWC in JCT semifinals

JEDDAH - With the 6th season of Jeddah Champions Trophy coming toward its close, team JWC and tournament organizers’ team Azizia Deccan advanced to the semifinals of JCT for the third time here. While Azizia Deccan had won its semifinals on both occasions – finishing first once, JWC is yet to make it to the final. Both the teams will fight for a spot in the final. The last time both the teams met in JCT was also in the semifinals of the 4th edition where Azizia Deccan came up triumphs. Bowling first in the quarterfinals against KSA Green, JWC restricted its opponent to 93 in 15 overs. It then chased down the required runs with 4 wickets to spare as Man-of-the-Match Danny first picked up 3-20 and then scored 44 off 25 balls. Azizia Deccan on the other hand, playing against Coastal Gladiators displayed its bowling strength once again to bundle out the opposition for a meagre 76. Man-of-the-Match Mubeen breathed fire in his opening spell to take the top 3 wickets. In reply, Azizia Deccan was in a spot of bother after losing early wickets, but Man-of-the-Match Fazilath made sure it made it to the semis by scoring an unbeaten 41 off 34 balls. In the third quarterfinal, Jeddah Gladiators came from behind to register a win against The Prime XI. Batting first, Jeddah Gladiators lost its openers cheaply. A quick-fire 34 by Mehtab and 30 by Man-of-the-Match Adil took the score past 120. That proved to be an arduous task for Prime XI as it fell short by 28 runs. Adil picked up 3 wickets. In the last quarterfinal, the defending champion Reliance CT made a mess of a straight forward chase of 123 against IOE Cricketers. Batting first, IOE posted 122, on the back of a superb 38 by Man-of-the-Match Qasim. In reply, Reliance was on course for an easy win as Ilyas scored 38 off 25 balls. But a brain freeze by its batsmen resulted in losing 4 wickets in as many balls as it was bundled out for 88 with Qasim picking up 4 wickets for 14 runs. IOE will play its semifinal against Jeddah Gladiators. The tournament is being organized by team Azizia Deccan in association with Saudi Cricket Center (SCC). The title is sponsored by Al-Miawiah, powered by Al-Salem York, co-sponsored by Aqualite, Clas, G21 Optics and Intalaka Group. Brief scores Jeddah Gladiators 123-7 in 15 overs (Mehtab 34, Adil 30; Thaj 3-16, Rizwan 1-17) beat Prime XI 96-8 in 15 overs (Sulaiman 27, Harish 17; Adil 3-11, Afsar 2-17). Man of the Match – Adil. IOE Cricketers 122-9 in 15 overs (Qasim 38, Zubair 21; Ajaz 2-7, Mubashir 2-29) downed Reliance Cricket Team 88-10 in 12.2 overs (Ilyas 38, Ajaz 16; Qasim 4-14, Tabrez 2-13). Man of the Match – Qasim. Coastal Gladiators 76-9 in 15 overs (Abid 25, Altaf 12; Mubeen 3-10, Amjad 2-11) lost to Azizia Deccan 80-5 in 12.4 overs (Fazilath 41 not out, Naushad 11; Altaf 2-14, Mujahid 2-29). Men of the Match - Mubeen and Fazilath. KSA Green 93-10 in 15 overs (Fazlan 23, Rehan 11; Kabeer 3-17, Danny 3-20) lost to Jeddah Warriors Club 97-6 in 14.3 overs (Danny 44, Riyas 16; Zaki 3-22, Ansar 1-1). Man of the Match – Danny.