Sharjah: Azhar Gul smashed a brilliant half-century while Adnan Arif returned with a fine four-wicket haul as Emirates Islamic Bank defeated Commercial Bank International by 40 runs in a day-night match to win the Sharjah Cricket Council Inter-Bank tournament at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Azhar stroked an elegant 65 off 58 balls and featured in a solid 73-run stand for the second wicket with Asim Kaleem, who hammered 50 off 35 balls to lay the foundation of the Emirates Islamic Bank innings.
Solid contributions
With solid contributions from the two talented batsmen, Emirates Islamic Bank, batting first after winning the toss, posted a healthy 190 for 7 in the allotted 25 overs. Adnan Arif was the major scorer with 23.
For CBI, Shajil and Surya shared the bowling honours, taking two wickets each, but the Emirates Islamic Bank batsmen never really felt threatened by the CBI attack.
CBI, in reply, were restricted to 150 for 8 despite a century stand for the third wicket between Azam and Shajil. Adnan Arif did most of the damage, picking up 4 wickets for just 20 runs.
Azam made 47 off 57 balls while Shajil struck a fine 58 off 40 balls.
