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Irfan Haji shines as Team Afridi CC prevail

DUBAI — Afridi CC stormed into the knockout phase of the 9th Dulsco Ramadan Cricket Tournament at Zabeel Park Cricket Grounds, a press release said.

It was Afridi CC’s third consecutive victory as they topped Group B defeating Jotun Paints by four wickets to advance in the 20-over tournament organized by Duslco SC in association with Dubai Municipality.

Irfan Haji played a stellar role for Afridi CC as his all-round performance earned him the second man of the match award. He grabbed three Jotun Paints wickets and later scored 29 runs as Afridi CC reached the victory target of 143 set by Jotun Paints.

Electing to bat first on winning the toss, Jotun Paints put on 142 runs for the loss of six wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Azhar N was their top scorer with 66 runs which included four sixes and five hits to the fence as he faced 40 deliveries.

Rohan made 15, Nitin and Anthony 11 each as they set a 143 run victory target for Afridi CC. Twenty-two runs came in the form of extras.

Irfan claimed three wickets for 13 runs in his spell of three overs. Shazhad and M Khurram picked up one each for 13 and 31 runs respectively.

With an asking rate of over seven runs per over, Afridi CC lost their opener at three as Shahzad was caught off Anthony for no score.

But Irfan and one-down Imran Rao steadied their innings with a 45-run partnership for the second wicket. Imran Rao contributed 18 while Irfan scored 29 which included three sixes and one hit to the fence.

Khurram then brought Afridi CC closer to the target with a well crafted 43 from 31 balls. He was caught off Rohan’s bowling when Afridi needed 10 runs for victory. Zahid contributed 16 from a dozen balls.

Rohan claimed three Afridi CC wickets whilst conceding 31 runs while Azhar Nasir, Anthony and Sachin picked up one each.

Irfan bagged his second player of the match award for his all-round performance.

The second team to advance from this group will be decided when Jashanmal National Co clash with UPS UAE LLC. A victory will put Jashanmal through.

Brief scores: Afridi CC beat Jotun Paints by four wickets. Jotun Paints 142 for 6 (Azhar Nasir 66, Rohan 15, Nitin 11, Anthony 11; Irfan Hajji 3/15,). Afridi CC 143 for 6 in 17 overs Khurram 43, Irfan Hajji 29, Imran Rao 18, Zahid 16; Rohan 3/31). Man of the match: Irfan Haji of Afridi CC.