By Abdul Khader Mochery
JEDDAH — Quarterfinalists have been decided after the third week matches of the 9th Jotun Paints TCF Champions Trophy 2017 at BMT ground here.
The 9th TCF tournament is organized by Tellicherry Cricket Forum (TCF) under the auspices of Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC).
The tournament is mainly sponsored by Jotun Paints. The event is also supported by Holiday Inn Jeddah Gateway, Turkish Airlines, Bupa Arabia, 3 Horses, Al-Hokair Group, FSN, Kool Dezign and Futurelite.
The quarterfinal lineup: Young Star vs. Lothers; Kanoo Logistics vs. Warriors; Al-Max Cricket Club vs. Pepsi Alliance and Hyd Royals vs. Jotun Penguins. Kanoo registered its third consecutive win by beating Reza Cricket Club by eight wickets. Opting to bat first, Reza posted 69-7. Harsha scored 20 in 13 balls, while Farsath and Tahir claimed two wickets each for Kanoo. In reply, Kanno chased down the target in 5 overs by losing only Farsat. Rukshan and Mohammed Shiras remained not out on 26 and 27, respectively. Man of the Match: Rukshan.
Jotun trashed McDonalds by 71 runs. Jotun amassed 162-4 after winning the toss. Muhammed Amjed blasted 44 in 10 balls and was well supported by Anwar Ahmed 42 (16 balls). Aftab contributed 30 (14) and Ramzan Ali 21(13). Afthab Rabbani claimed 3 wickets. In reply McDonalds was restricted to 91-6. Nishan (30) and Riyas (28) were the main scorers. Ahmed Ali and Israr grabbed two wickets each. Man of the Match: Mohammed Amjed.
Warriors knocked out UTSC KPL by 10 wickets and stayed in the contest after losing their first two matches. After winning the toss, UTSC KPL scored 85-5. Captain Irshad remained unbeaten on 25 and Shezmeel scored 20. In reply, Warriors finished the match in 5 overs without loss. Waqar earned the Man of the Match award for his splendid 59 not out from just 17 balls, including 7 sixes.
Arcoma Crown beat Orbital Horizon by 63 runs. After winning toss, Arcoma Crown tallied a mammoth total 151-4. Indika Bandara belted 52 (22) and Dinesh Raju (25). Umair Saeed claimed two wickets. In reply, Shahbaz and Farook Ahmed fought for Orbital by hitting 32 and 25, respectively. Mudassir and Ilyas took two wickets each. Man of the Match: Bandara.
Pepsi Alliance captain Quddus produced a sparkling knock of 68 from 25 balls in a must-win match against JPL KSA to steer his to quarterfinals. Put in to bat, JPL KSA tallied 121-5. Captain Mazhar Yaseen scored a brilliant 56 (22) and Muzaffir 35 (22). In reply, JPL bowlers struck early but captain Quddus batted sensibly to chase down the target with a splendid batting display. His 68 from 25 balls earned the Man-of-the-Match award and team a quarterfinal ticket. JPL captain Mazhar took four wickets in vain.
Al-Max CC beat Friday Stallions by 60 runs to emerge group champion. Al-Max posted 120 after winning toss as Ahmed Qurraishi hit 36 (16) and Zaheer 31 (19). Mohammed Faisal took 3 wickets.
In reply, Friday Stallions were bowled out for 60. Safran took 3 wickets. Man of the Match: Ahmed Qurraishi.
Young Star thrashed Tetra Pak Leaf by 6 wickets. Batting first, Tetra Pak Leaf scored 88-6. Arsalam remained not out on 38 (21). Zahid and Amir Rashid took two wickets each. Young Star captain Rafaqath scored an unbeaten 61 from just 18 balls to chase down the target in 5.4 overs. Man of the Match: Rafaqath.
Quarterfinal matches will begin at 4.15 p.m. Friday.
