By Syed Hashmath
JEDDAH — After a dramatic day of the knockout league phase, the JPL four teams now remain out of 40 teams in JPL. Reliance, Jeddah Gladiators, Challengers CC and Bhatkal (BCA) reached JPL semifinal. The tournament is being held under the umbrella of Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC).
The tournament is sponsored by Dream India Group, a real estate development company from Hyderabad. Among the co-sponsors are: Sunshine School from Hyderabad India, Mahmood Saeed Beverage Industry, Elite Business Group, Paradise Hotel, Parvaz Hotel, Bawarchi Hotel, Khind, Halwani, Fusion 9 & Nestle.
Afternoon Matches
Jeddah Gladiators defeated KSA Green. KSA Green’s Zulfiqar scored (62 runs in 38 balls) and Sarfaras (30 runs) in their 140 runs in 16 overs. Jeddah Gladiators were paced by Mannan (58 — 19, 4×3, 6×7). By the time the total reached 95 half of the side was back in the pavilion. However Adil (35 — 18) and Salman helped Jeddah Gladiators win in 13.2 overs losing 6 wickets. Mannan was named Man of the Match.
FCT lost to Challengers. FCT opener Ifraz starred with an unbeaten (54 in 48) and managed a total of 162-4 in 16 overs. FCT Taher (43 runs — 17 balls) batted well. Challengers opener Harris and Sharif gave a fine start. Feroz then scored (41 runs – 20 balls), Feroz Jr. gave support (40 — 29). Badruddin played to his potential, keeping the team well ahead of the strike rate. Feroz was named Man of the Match.
Bhatkal beat Yorkshire by 2 wickets. Yorkshire scored 137-10 in 15.4 overs. (Tousif 44 in 28 balls). Bhatkal reached the target and scored 139-8 in the last over. Hammad was Man of the Match for his brilliant batting 41 runs in 28 balls. Tabrez of Bhatkal took 3 wickets.
Reliance defeated Nazar Guys by 44 runs. Reliance blasted 204-4 in 16 overs. Anas Deshmukh hit 65 runs in just 29 balls and took 3 wickets that got him the Man of the Match award. Maaz too scored 53 runs to help build a strong target. Nazar Guys was bowled out for 160 in 15.1 overs. Saleem Priya of Nazar Guys scored 54 runs in 33 balls.
