By Ali Mohammed Khan
JEDDAH — The pre-quarterfinals of seventh season of JCT witnessed a few one-sided contests as Jeddah Gladiators, Classic Friends Puttur, Rockers CC, Mahajar Heroes and Azizia Boyz CC romped home to easy wins to book their spots in the quarterfinals.
With 16 teams vying for a spot in the quarterfinals, some intense cricket was expected, but as it turned out, only 3 — Hyderabad Royals, Gulfwest CC and Bhatkal CA — of the 8 losing teams showed some fight against their opponents before bowing out of the tournament.
Classic Friends Puttur put up a daunting 190 in 15 overs and then restricted Blasters XI to 97.
Jeddah Gladiators on the other hand continued their red hot form by restricting KSA Yellow to 60 and then chasing down the target in 4.1 overs.
Rockers CC, on the back of a superb spell of bowling by their captain Minhajuddin — who picked 5 for 12 — bowled out their opponents Elite CC for 42 and then chased down the total with 6 overs to spare.
Tournament organizers Azizia Deccan had to work hard for their win against Bhatkal CA as they struggled to post only 84 — thanks mainly to Man of the Match Asif’s 31 – and then defended a below par score with Bhatkal CA managing 51-4. But a fine display of bowling by Amjadkhan (2 wickets) and Ishaq M Khan (3 wickets in one over) derailed the opposition’s reply.
The S:Mile Cup tournament is organized by Azizia Deccan, mainly sponsored by S:Mile and powered by Al-Salem York. It is also supported by Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC) and co-sponsored by Datco, Biryani House, B-Cola and Captains Cafeteria.
Results:
Azizia Deccan Royals 61-9 in 15 overs (Shahvaj 19*, Nishad 3-13) lost to Heroes CC Mahjar 65-3 in 7.4 overs (Nishad 23, Noshad 1-10). Man of the Match: Nishad.
Ksa Yellow 60 in 14.2 overs (Yaseen 11, Ijaz 3-10) lost to Jeddah Gladiators 63-0 in 4.1 overs (Atif 35*, Amer 0-14). MOM: Atif.
Azizia Boyz CC 109-5 (SyedWasey 35*, Abdulazeem 3-32) beat The Prime XI 59-9 (Payas 16, Tameemul 2-6). MOM: SyedWasey.
ATS Jeddah 116-9 (Yogananda 26, Nowshad 3-28) beat Gulwest 96-10 in 13.4 overs (Shafee 45, Arfan 3-13, Yogananda 2-13). MOM: Yogananda.
Hyderabad Royals 91-10 in 14.1 overs (Irfan Khan 35, Ammar 3-22) beat Kokan XI 94-4 in 11.3 overs (Safwan 30*, Ammar 23, Abdul Muqeet 1-4). MOM: Ammar.
Azizia Deccan 84 in 14 overs (AsifShaik 31, AltafKhan 16, Adnan 3-17, Shabaz 3-18) beat Bhatkal Cricket Association 63-10 in 13.2 overs (Shabaz 16, Ishaq Mohammed Khan 3-11, Maqbool 2-9). MOM: Asif Shaik.
Elite CC 42 in 12 Overs (Irfan 8, Minhajuddin 5-12) lost to Rockers CC 46-3 in 9.1 overs (Jalil 15, Ami 2-12, Habeeb 1-10). MOM: Minhajuddin.
Classic Friends Puttur 190-4 (Ashraf 39, Jijo 1-24) beat Blasters XI 97-8 (Shabeer 38, Mazhar 3-9, Nasir 3-31). MOM: Mazhar.
