Ali shines as Jotun Paints prevail

DUBAI — An all-round performance by Azhar Ali helped Jotun Paints collect full points in the Dulsco Ramadan Cricket Tournament at Zabeel Park Cricket Grounds, Dubai.

Published: Sat 14 Aug 2010, 12:08 AM

Last updated: Tue 7 Nov 2023, 8:38 AM

In the 9th edition of the Ramadan tournament, organised by Dulsco Sport Club, Jotun Paints defeated UPS UAE LLC in a Group B match by 51 runs.

The event is being played under the auspices of the Dubai Cricket Council.

Ali scored a 36-ball 60 runs and bagged two UPS wickets to earn the man-of-the-match award.

Electing to bat after winning the toss, Jotun Paints lost their opener Azhar Mehmood for 10 runs.

However, his partner Azhar Ali kept going and added 98 runs for the second wicket with Nitin.

The one-down batsman hit a 31-ball 43 before he was caught off the bowling of Basit A.

Jotun Paints then lost two quick wickets and with Ali also back in the pavilion after his half-century, it was left to Anthony who hit an unbeaten 41 to boost their total and helped the team set a 191-run target for their rivals.

Raj chipped in with 11 while Risham contributed six.

Basit was the most successful bowler for UPS bagging three wickets for 33 runs. Feroz picked up two for 31 and Nilantha clinched one wicket for 44 runs. With an asking rate of 9.5 per over, UPS felt the pressure from the start.

Although their openers provided a 33-run stand for the first wicket, they later lost wickets regularly.

As the match progressed the asking rate also climbed and ultimately they succumbed. Tail-ender Imran hit an unbeaten 44, but his attempt was not good enough as they managed only 139 for the loss of eight wickets.

Imran was the top scorer for the losers followed by Harpesh (25), captain Domnic Monteiro (18) and Firoz (11). The other UPS batsmen failed to click.

Sachin was the most successful bowler for Jotun Paints claiming three wickets for 21 runs.

Azhar Ali bagged two wickets and conceded 25 runs while Ronan and Niru picked up one apiece for 19 and 34 runs respectively.

Twenty four teams, divided in six groups of four each, are taking part in the 9th edition of the Ramadan tournament. After a round robin league, the top teams will advance to the knock-out stage.