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Ali shines for Active IT

DUBAI — Murtuza Ali bagged four wickets to help Active IT Distribution defeat Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) in the inaugural match of the Dulsco Ramadan Cricket tournament, a press release said.

The 20-over tournament is organised by Dulsco SC, in association with the Dubai Municipality and is played under the auspices of the Dubai Cricket Council.

In the first match played at Zabeel Park, Dubai, Ali four scalps saw their rivals SCB struggle to make 107 for the loss of eight wickets.

Ali first got rid of well-settled SCB opener Waqar S for 26 runs. Then he sent back one-down Fawad after he had scored just one run. Later he sent Usman back to the pavilion after he was threatening to boost the Bank men’s innings.

Usman contributed 25 runs before he became Ali’s third victim. His fourth victim was Vinay who was caught off his bowling by Somdev for six runs.

Ali conceded 15 runs for his four wickets in his four-over spell.

Batting first, SCB struggled against the tight bowling of Active IT and lost wickets at regular intervals. Only three batsmen reached double figures. Opener Waqar made 26, Usman 25 and Tahir 10.

Hitesh 8 not out, Fahad 7, Fardan 7, Vinay 6 and Amir 5 not out and Shinaj were the other contributors for the Bank men.

Besides Ali’s four wickets, Ashwaq claimed two for 21, Somkant and Naeemulah bagged one apiece for 18 and 14 runs respectively. Adnan and Jayprakash were the other bowlers for the winners.

With an easy target to achieve, Active IT Distribution worked off the required runs in only 12 overs losing one wicket.

Opener Jayprakash remained unbeaten with a half-century (59). He hit seven boundaries and two sixes from the 42 deliveries he faced during his stay at the crease.

Shibith was the only batsman to lose his wicket when he was bowled by Tahir. But before he walked back, he had made sure of the victory contributing 38 and along with Jayprakash put up a century (102) stand for the opening wicket.

Ali was named the man of the match for his brilliant bowling.

Twenty four teams, divided in six groups of four each, are taking part in the 9^th edition of the Ramadan tournament. After a round robin league, the top teams will advance to the knock-out stage. This is the fourth year the tournament is being played at Zabeel cricket ground. Earlier the event was held at the Dubai Cricket Council grounds which have now been develop for government projects.

Johnson Alexander, Director HR and QHSE, Rajesh Ramachandran-Director Finance and Administration, Valerian D’Souza General Manager-MPS and Javed Butt- Manager Visa and PR of Dulsco were present for the inaugural ceremony.

Brief scores: Active IT Distribution beat Standard Chartered Bank by nine wickets. Standard Chartered Bank 107 for 8 (Waqas T 26, Usman 25, Tahir 1o; Murtuza Ali 4-15, Ashwaq 2/21, Naeemulah 1/14, Somkant 1/18). Active IT Distribution 108 for 1 in 12 overs (Jayprakash 59*, Shibith 38; Tahir 1/13).

Man of the match: Murtuza Ali of Active IT Distribution.