Emirates deny GMW final spot; Yogi through

GMW Royal cricket team with officials. — Supplied photo

Emirates Group Cricket Team denied GMW Royal a spot in the final after Day 2 of Match 6 in the Danube Test Series. The series is played under the patronage of Dubai Cricket Council.

GMW began at their overnight score of 73 for 4 in 25 overs, with a mountain to climb if they were to cross Emirates’ first innings score. Batsmen Shahid Sadiq and Usman Mushtaq played sensible cricket as they were involved in a 136 run partnership. It came to an end as an unexpected misunderstanding lead to a run out. Shahid played the ball to covers and set off for a quick run, only to realise that Usman did not respond. Emirates skipper Nigel Fernandes who was at covers took advantage and ran out Shahid for 89.

The onus was left on Usman to take the innings through but was left bamboozled by experienced UAE all rounder Arshad Ali, bowled for 65. There after, Amjad Gul (37) and Nisar Abbas (22) tried their best, but Emirates had them under control. They were bundled out 279 in 68.3 overs.

Arshad was expensive but took 3 wickets for 106 while Nisar Khan and Nigel picked up 2 wickets each. Sagar Pawar was adjudged the Man of The Match for his 1^st innings century.

The 1^st innings loss to GMW Royal meant that Yogi Group had a safe passage into the finals against Wings SRT, to be played on Wednesday and Thursday at ICC Academy Oval 1.

This Domestic Test Series is sponsored by Danube. The co sponsors are Emax and Delhi Darbar and the event is managed by Cricon Sports Services.