Multiplex in top form in Ramadan cricket tournament

Shuaqat hammered four sixes and two boundaries and was rightly named Multiplex man of the match.

Multiplex International players. — Supplied photo

Dubai — Title contenders Multiplex International registered their second consecutive victory in the 14th Dulsco Ramadan Cricket tournament trouncing Cricket Maxway by five wickets at the Zabeel Park Cricket Ground on Thursday night, a Press release said. The tournament is being organised by Dulsco Sports Club under the auspices of Dubai Sports Council. After bundling out Cricket Maxway for 93, Multiplex International scored the required runs in just 12 overs to take the top spot in the group.

In the earlier match, Multiplex were given a fright by Global Distribution but on Thursday night it was a totally one-sided affair with the former calling the shots. Cricket Maxway decided to bat first after winning the toss and did not get the desired start.

Faisal M. showed signs of hitting form before falling to Qader Ahmed. Adel Raja dismissed Nagarjuna Hegde in the fourth over to make it 23-2. From thereon it was a struggle for Cricket Maxway to put the bat to the ball except for opener Clint Berkenshaw. From 2-23, Ahmed made it 26-4 in the next over with two quick strikes. Ahmed dismissed captain Shomaresh Shetty (1) and two balls later got Joseph (O).

Jay Joshi and Subin S. also perished in quick succession. Berkenshaw looked in good touch but with wickets falling around him it became difficult for him to sustain the momentum. He was eventually clean bowled by Imran after making a 28-ball 30.

Multiplex were given a scare in the run-chase after Sherry Hanif’s three-wicket burst. Balwinder Singh (5), Sapandeep Singh (8) and Aklaq Butt (0) fell to Hanif in quick succession as Multiplex were reduced to 21-3 by the fourth over. Two more wickets fell after the addition of 30 runs to raise hopes of Cricket Maxway’s fightback. However, all their intentions were dashed by Multiplex’s sixth wicket pair. After his heroics with the ball, Shauqat came good with the bat, blasting 47 to finish the match in just 12 overs.

Shuaqat hammered four sixes and two boundaries and was rightly named Multiplex man of the match.

He was well supported by Razik Khan, who remained not out on 15 with one six and one four from nine balls.

Brief scores: Cricket Maxway 93 all out in 17.4 overs (Berkenshaw 30; Qadeer 3-12, Ahmed.S 3-16) Multiplex International 98/5 in 12 overs (Ahmed Shakur 47, Sherry 3-20)