Sharjah: A century from Dawood Ejaz helped Inter Globe Marine beat Bukhatir XI by 20 runs and reach the semi-final of the Sharjah T20 Summer Cup 2017, organised by Sharjah Cricket Club at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
In another quarter-final match, a timely three wicket spell from Ahmed Naseem ensured Multiplex International reached the semi-final defeating Globelink WestStar by 25 runs.
Ejaz cracked a 60-ball 103 runs with the help of six boundaries and seven sixes.
Ruwaid Khan too hit a quick 23 runs from 16 balls and helped Inter Globe Marine post a challenging 183 for 7 in 20 overs.
Bukhatir XI, who had recorded impressive victories in this tournament, began their chase badly. In-form CP Rizwan tried to lift the team through a 20-ball 31 runs with three sixes and two fours. UAE player Rameez Shahzad too hit 49 runs from 32 deliveries with two boundaries and four sixes but Bukhatir XI could manage only 163 for seven in 20 overs.
In the other quarter-finals Multiplex International were given a good start by Sapandeep Singh and Akhlaq Butt, scoring 37 and 30 respectively. Mohammad Yasir Ali hit a 37-ball 55 while Saad Naseem maintained the run flow through an unbeaten 41 from 32 deliveries with three fours and a six to help Multiplex International post 202 for five in 20 overs.
Chasing the tough target the in-form Renjith Mani hit 31 from 21 balls with two boundaries and two sixes.
Puneeth Kumar gave hope with 68 runs from 39 balls with six sixers and two boundaries.
The fall of a few wickets checked the run flow and though Krishna Kumar hit an unbeaten 41, that was not enough to ensure the team reached the target.
Ahmad Naseem struck vital bowls with three wickets backed by Saad Naseem with two wickets and Globelink WestStar got restricted to 177 for 7 in 20 overs.
Brief scores: Multiplex International bt Globelink WestStar by 25 runs. Multiplex International: 202 for 5 in 20 overs (Sapandeep Singh 37, Akhlaq Butt 30, Mohammad Yasir Ali 55, Saad Naseem 41m.o, Renjith Mani 2 for 49). Globelink WestStar: 177 for 7 in 20 overs (Renjith Mani 31, Puneeth Kumar 68, Krishna Kumar 41n.o; Ahmad Naseem 3 for 23, Saad Naseem 2 for 28). Man of the match: Ahmed Naseem.
InterGlobe Marine bt Bukhatir XI by 20 runs. InterGlobe Marine: 183 for 7 in 20 overs (Ruwaid Khan 23, Dawood Ejaz 103; Rizwan CP 2 for 27, Mohamed Halan 2 for 24). Bukhatir XI: 163 for 7 in 20 overs (CP Rizwan 31, Rameez Shahzad 49, Vishnu Sukumaran 22, Shad Hamza 23n.o; Sajjad Malek 2 for 25). Man of the match: Dawood Ejaz
