Dulsco stay unbeaten on way to quarters

Dulsco defeated Aster DM Healthcare. — Supplied photo

Hosts Dulsco scripted a gritty 28-run victory against Aster DM Healthcare to top the group ahead of the quarter-finals in the 13^th Dulsco Ramadan Cricket Tournament at the Zabeel Park Cricket Ground, Dubai, on Thursday night.

With the group matches over, the quarter-final line-up was drawn with Future Kings Heroes taking on Carfare on Friday, Cricket Maxway meeting Multiplex International on Saturday, Global Distribution locking horns against Aster DM Healthcare on Sunday and Dulsco fighting it out with Oud Metha CC on Monday.

Dulsco batting first posted 126 before being bowled out in 19.3 overs and then skittled out Aster DM for 98 in 18.4 overs to register their third consecutive victory and top Group A. For Aster DM, this was their first defeat after two victories.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Dulsco were given a blazing start with openers Shamsuddin and Wahid striking the ball confidently. The runs were coming at a frantic pace when Wahid was dismissed by Gopu. Wahid hit one four and three sixes in his 15-ball 31 and his exit triggered a mini-batting collapse that handed the advantage to Aster DM as Qamar (3) and Shamsuddin (25, 25b, 4x1, 6x1) also perished soon after. When Dulsco looked in a spot of bother with the exit of their top three batsmen, Babar picked up the baton in admirable style, scoring runs at will even as wickets fell regularly around him. With none of the rest batsmen failing to get into double figures, Babar played a lone hand, smashing three four and three sixes for his 41, which came off 24 balls, helping his team post 126 before being bowled out in 19.3 overs.

Mubashir was the pick of Aster DM bowlers with figures of 4-17. He was well supported by Riyas (3-24) and Gopu (2-14).

With a modest score to defend, Dulsco played to a plan as a very tight bowling and some excellent fielding resulted in Aster DM’s challenge ending on 98 in 19.2 overs. None of the Aster DM batsmen made an effort to stay on the wicket and carry on with four batsmen getting into double figures but not making the start count.

All five Dulsco bowlers tasted success with Gurvinder’s 3-17 being the most successful figures. Shoaib, Zeeshan and Afridi also picked two wickets each to help the team in the fightback. Babar was adjudged the Multiplex Man of the Match.