Danube Lions and UBL set up Bukhatir League title clash

Sport360 staff 08:28 24/05/2016
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  • The victorious UBL team.

    At Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Danube snatched a thrilling one-wicket victory over Multiplex International, while UBL defeated Alubond Tigers by four wickets.

    In the first 50-over semi-final, Danube had Gulraiz Sadaf to thank as his brilliant century saw them reach their stiff target of 280 with four balls to spare.

    Despite losing Asif Iqbal (1) early on, Danube recovered with Sadaf finding his rhythm. He shared a 51-run stand with UAE international Shahzad Manna (34) and although his team lost a few wickets, Sadaf kept the chase alive, hitting 109 runs from 120 balls (nine fours and three sixes).

    He was well supported by Adnan Mufti (42) but the pair was sent back with Danube at 260-8.

    The equation came down to eight from 12 balls with just one wicket in hand. But Sami Niazi kept his cool to see Danube home.

    Earlier, Multiplex got off to a strong start after electing to bat. Sapandeep Singh (74, 4×4, 6×6) and Aklaq Butt (51, 7×4, 1×6) put on a superb stand of 135 in just 20 overs.

    Skipper Zeeshan Khan then smashed a half-century (68) to help his side post a challenging total.

    In the other semi-final match, UBL chased 270 set by Alubond Tigers with four balls to spare.

    Openers Syed Maqsood (45) and Amjad Ali (49) set the platform with an opening stand of 95.

    Mohammad Boota further consolidated the innings with a fine half-century. Contributions from Bilal Azmat (32) and Mohammad Shakir (23) saw UBL edge closer to their target.

    Although Alubond claimed vital scalps, it was UAE international Saqlain Haider who finished the game with a brilliant 42-run knock.

    Rohan Mustafa was the standout batsman for Alubond with an 82-ball knock from 73 deliveries.

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