JEDDAH — Malik XI will clash with Al Burj in the final of JCA Summer League, which is sponsored and organized by Jeddah Cricket Association. In the first semifinal Malik XI eliminated CH XI by a narrow margin of 10 runs while in second semifinal Al Burj knocked off Pak Zalmi with relative ease by 54 runs.

Al Burj started badly losing couple of early wickets to the fiery pace of Atta ur Rahman (2 for 20) and sharp spin of Asad (2 for 26), however middle order batsmen Mohsin (40) and Kamran (47) gave a spirited fightback to take them to 148 all out in 15.1 overs.

In reply Pak Zalmi too started off on the wrong foot, losing wickets at regular interval to devastating spell of bowling by Tayyab (5 for 18), supported by Atta Muskan (2 for 15), and were bundled out for 94 in 14.1 overs. Al Burj deservedly won by 54 runs to enter the final with Malik XI.

Aamir Walha (37) and Shani (31) batted sensibly to help Malik XI put up a fighting score of 137 runs for 8 wickets in 16 overs despite good conservative bowling by Nasir Bajwa (3 for 23) and Tanvir (3 for 29).

In reply CH XI batsmen started losing wickets at regular intervals, except Zaid (45) and Afzal (20) who batted with purpose. However, good bowling, in tandem, by Usman C (4 for 28) and Usman B (2 for 16) restricted CH XI to 127 for 8. Malik XI won by a narrow margin of 10 runs to take on Al Burj in the finals.

Al Burj beat Pak Zalmi by 54 Runs

Al Burj 148 all out — Kamran 47, Mohsin 40, Atta ur Rehman 2 for 20, Asad 2 for 26. Pak Zalmi 94 all out — Taqi 23, Abid 19, Tayyab 5 for 18, Atta Muskan 2 for 15.

Malik XI beat CH XI by 10 Runs

Malik XI 137 for 8 16 overs — Shani 31, Aamir Walha 37, Nasir Bajwa 3 for 23, Tanvir 3 for 29. CH XI 127 for 8 16 overs — Zaid 45, Afzal 20, Usman C 4 for 28, Usman Butt 2 for 16. — SG