Multiplex, Future King enter final

Members of the Dulsco team. — Supplied photo

Favourites Multiplex International and Future King Heroes set up a summit clash after securing easy semi-final victories in the 13th Dulsco Ramadan Cricket Tournament at the Zabeel Park Cricket Ground, Dubai, on Tuesday night, a Press release said.

After Future King Heroes had cruised past Aster DM Healthcare with a six-wicket victory, Multiplex International crushed Oud Mehta CC for a 10-wicket win to book their place in the final.

The tournament is being organised by Dubai Cricket Council in association with Dulsco Sports Club. Multiplex International LLC is supporting this tournament with all the man of match prizes for each match (31 matches all together) along with best player, best batsman and best bowler of the tournament prizes. The winner will walk away with Dh 5,000 while the runners-up will receive Dh 2,500-00. The tournament is also supported by Red Bull.

Faisal Khalil rocked Aster DH Healthcare’s boat with his four-wicket spell after they had opted to bat. The Future King Heroes bowler came as the first change and started the slide dismissing Nigil Kaliyat (9) to make it 18 for 1 in the third over. The Heroes quickly took control by taking quick wickets. Aster’s batting was poor as they limped to 42 for 4 in the sixth over. With the side in serious trouble, Nadir Hussain (19) and Mubasshir Ahmed (37, 4x1, 6x2) joined forces to rebuild the innings, with a brief partnership of 28 runs. After Hussain’s dismissal, it was left to Ahmed and Arshad K (15, 6x2) to provide a late impetus as Aster finished on 123 in 19.2 overs.

In reply, Future King Heroes got home with 22 balls and six wickets. Amit Varma led the charge with a terrific 64. Varma hit the bowlers all over the park, hitting five fours and five sixes as he stayed unbeaten on 64 to guide the team past the victory target. He found valuable support from Yakoob Masih (22) and Yashir Kaleem (16 not out). Khalil walked away with the Multiplex man of the match award.

Favourites Multiplex International came up with an even better show, finishing the match more quickly as they raced to a 10-wicket victory with more than nine overs to spell against Oud Mehta.

The bowling was full and straight and the fielding from Multiplex International players was first class which resulted in Oud Mehta being skittled out for a paltry 79. Only Sangeeth Joseph (27) and Termin Joseph (13) could get into double figures and the innings ended in 16.1 overs. Mohammed Yasir was the most successful bowler with terrific figures of 1.3-0-4-3 and he was later rightly given the Multiplex man of the match award.

Syed Maqsood (55 not out, 30 balls, 4x3, 6x6) and Kashif Butt (22 not out, 29 ball, 4x2) then helped the team achieve the target in the 11th over to complete a terrible day for Oud Mehta.

Brief Scores:

Future King Heroes beat Aster DM Healthcare by six wickets. Aster 123 all out in 19.2 overs (Nadir Hussain 19, Mubasshir Ahmed 37, Arshad K 15; Faisal Khalil 4-18) versus Future King Heroes 125 for 4 in 16.2 overs (Amit Varma 64 not out, Yakoob Masih 22, Yashir Kaleem 16 not out). Multiplex Man of the Match: Khalil.

Multiplex International beat Oud Mehta by 10 wickets. Oud Mehta 79 all out (Sangeet Joseph 27, Termin Joseph 13; Mohammed Yasir 3-4, Imran 2-23) versus Multiplex 80 for no loss in 10.4 overs (Syed Maqsood 55 not out, Kashif Butt 22 not out). Multiplex Man of the Match: Mohammad Yasir.