By Riaz T.V.
JEDDAH — In one of the high voltage matches in the TCF-Jotun Paints Champions Trophy 2017, Lothers Cricket Club knocked out favorite and former champion Young Star in the quarterfinals by beating it by 34 runs. 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.
Put into bat, Lothers amassed a massive total of 154-3 in 10 overs. Opener Mohammed Rizvi scored a sparkling 64 from 31 balls with 8 sixes and 2 fours. Rizvi was well supported by captain Abdul Wahid (30 not out off 12 balls) and Waqas Ali (24 - 11). Qaisar Abbas took 2 wickets and Wahid Ali 1.
In reply, Saudi National player Ibrar Ul Haq struck twice in his first over, even after conceding 18 runs. Young Star could not recover from the deadly blows and lost wickets at regular intervals to be restricted to 120-9. Saleem Rafeeq top scored with 31 (13) and Amir Siddiq hit 22 (7). Ibrar Ul Haq took four wickets and claimed the Man of Match award.
In the second quarterfinal, Kanoo Logistics beat Warriors by 6 wickets.
Opting to bat first Warriors scored 97-9. Opener Shafqat belted 37 (20) and captain Farhaj 20 not out (9). Safayer took 4 wickets. While chasing, Kanoo openers started well by putting on 58 in 4.3 overs. Farsat blasted 31 (15), Safayer 24 (15) and Rukshan remained not out on 23 from 8 balls. Mehmoud claimed two wickets. Safayer was named the Man of the Match.
Al-Max Cricket Club beat Pepsi Alliance by 8 runs in another low-scoring thriller. After winning the toss and bating first, Al-Max was all out 86. Ahmed Quraishi hit a fighting 27 (19) and Zaheer 10. Israr claimed four wickets and Mazhar Abbasi 2. In reply, Al-Max bowlers did not allow Pepsi batsmen to play freely and Pepsi kept losing wickets. Eventually, Pepsi fell short of 8 runs. Mazhar Abbasi scored 12 (5) and Abdul Raheem 11. Quraishi and Mohammed Safran took 2 wickets each. Ahmed Quraishi won the Man of the Match award for his superb all-round performance.
In the last match, Jotun Penguins beat Hyd Royals by 6 wickets to complete the semifinal lineup. Hyd Royals, batting first, were bowled out for 82. Mazz Khatib hit 22 (12) and Mannan Ul Haq 11. Waqas and Aftab bowled brilliantly for Jotun and took 2 wickets each.
In reply, Afthab Ahmed took charge by smashing a glorious 48 from just 15 balls including five huge sixes and finishing the match in 6.3 overs. Azam Khan took one wicket. Aftab Ahmed was adjudged the Man of the Match.
Semifinals will be played Friday. The lineup is: Lothers vs. Kanoo Logistics (7:00 p.m.) and Al-Max Cricket Club vs. Jotun Penguins (9:00 p.m.).
