Sharjah: Interface Transworld proved that they are the new team to beat in UAE domestic cricket by winning the Al Dhaid Ramadan tournament organised by Sharjah Cricket Council.
In the final at the Al Dhaid cricket village ground, they beat fancied Yogi Group by six wickets through a spectacular display of their all-round strength.
Their bowlers restricted the strong Yogi Group batting line-up to just 106 all out in 19.3 overs, led by Puneet Mehra’s three-wicket spell. After that, Eklavya Dwivedi cracked 51 runs to ensure Interface’s victory in 18.3 overs. Mehra also chipped in with 24 to bag the man of the final award.
Interface are also on course to win the Dubai Cricket Council Ramadan tournament.
Yogi Group had a shaky start, losing six wickets for just 37 runs in the first 10 overs. Only opener Salman Faris hit 16 from 2l deliveries. Mohammad Rameez and Sandeep Singh propped up the innings with a 43-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Rameez scored 20, while Singh hit 32 with the help of four sixes.
Mehra, who was Interface’s most consistent bowler in the tournament, took three wickets from his four overs, giving away just 12 runs.
Interface also began badly, losing two quick wickets, but Dwivedi’s unbeaten knock of 51 from 48 deliveries tilted the balance. Mehra gave him company through his 24 from 21 balls in a 44-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Except for Yogi Group’s Faris, who took two wickets for 17 runs, none of the other bowlers could create any threat.
