Dubai: Al Jabeen Heroes beat a star-studded Alubond Tigers side by eight runs in Dubai Cricket Council’s second Interface Transworld Ramadan Cup 30-over event at the Fairground Oval.
Meanwhile, in Dulsco’s 13th Ramadan tournament at Zabeel Park, Aster DM Healthcare made it to the semi-finals after inflicting a shock 45-run defeat on the fancied Global Distribution team.
The heroes of Al Jabeen’s victory were Naveed Shahzad, who destroyed the Global Distribution batting with a fine spell of 4 for 26, and Shivram Sharma, who cracked 53 runs.
However, the best all-round performance came from Riyas Kakulangara in Aster’s stunning win over Global Distribution. He hit a quick 38 runs and bagged three for 22 with the ball.
In the 30-over event, Al Jabeen posted 172 for 9 batting first mainly through Sharma’s 53 off 67 balls with four towering sixes and a boundary. He was supported by Yaqoob Masih with 33 runs and Praveen Yadav’s 25.
Alubond were then restricted to 169 for 8 despite Sameen Kushakumara’s 42 runs. Shazad’s spell of four for 26 was backed up by Faisal Khalil with two wickets.
In the Dulsco tournament, Aster posted an impressive 173 for 8 thanks mainly to opener Nigel Kaliat’s 62 off 47 balls and his 71-run opening partnership with Kakulangara.
Kakulangara was responsible for destroying Global Distribution’s run chase. He took the crucial wickets of openers Hamid Ali (24) and consistent scorer Waqas Ahmad for 13. Nadeem chipped in with two wickets to help Aster become the third team to reach the semi-finals after Future King Heroes and Multiplex International.
