Ruwaid, Babar steal limelight in Sharjah Summer Cup 2017

Ruwaid Khan's fine century and Salman Babar's superb 82 were the highlight of InterGlobe Marine and Mir's big victories in the Sharjah Summer Cup 2017 organized by Sharjah Cricket Club.

At the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, InterGlobe Marine defeated GM Cricket Academy by 39 runs while Mir eased past TNS Splendid by seven wickets.

Turning lucky with the coin and choosing to bat first, InterGlobe Marine were off to a rousing start with openers Ruwaid Khan and Touqeer Riyasat sharing a quick 87 in less than 10 overs. Tauqeer Riyasat succumbed after scoring a 25-ball 31 including a boundary and two sixes.

Previn Achuthan (21, 18b, 1x4, 1x6) joined Ruwaid Khan to put on another fine partnership of 65 runs for the second wicket as InterGlobe Marine's progress gathered pace.

Ruwaid Khan retired hurt but not before scoring a quickfire 101 from only 63 deliveries that saw him send the ball to the ropes half a dozen times and as many times over it.

Asim Shaikh (18 not out, 9b, 2x6) and Syam Ramesh (15 not out, 5b, 2x6) provided the finishing touches as InterGlobe Marine achieved 199 for two in 20 overs.

In reply, Gopakumar Gopalakrishnan's stunning opening over saw him pick three wickets as GM Cricket Academy were left tottering at 2 for three.

Asghar Khan (30, 22b, 1x4, 4x6), Khurram Shahzad (70, 45b, 5x4, 6x6) and Rahul Neelesh Bhatia (26 not out, 22b, 2x4, 1x6) put on a fight but the damage was done way beyond as GM Cricket Academy could muster only 160 for eight in 20 overs.

In the other match, chasing 145 to win, Mir successfully achieved the target in just 9.4 overs. Salman Babar was the man in form as he ran amok with a blistering 26-ball 81 consisting of three boundaries and 10 sixes. Abdul Rehman (23, 14b, 2x4, 1x6) and Shahrukh Sheikh (22, 8b, 1x4, 3x6) were the other contributors.

Earlier, batting first TNS Splendid made 144 for nine in 20 overs. Abdullah Riaz top scored with a 23-ball 37 while Muhammad Farukh scored 35 off 41 balls.

Kashif Mir was the pick of the bowlers for Mir claiming three wickets while Abdullah Azhar picked two.

Brief scores: InterGlobe Marine bt GM Cricket Academy by 39 runs. InterGlobe Marine: 199/2 in 20 overs (Ruwaid Khan 101, Touqeer Riyasat 31, Previn Achuthan 21, Asim Shaikh 18 not out, Syam Ramesh 15 not out) vs GM Cricket Academy: 160/8 in 20 overs (Asghar Khan 30, Khurram Shahzad 70, Rahul Neelesh Bhatia 26 not out; Gopakumar Gopalakrishnan 3/9). Man of the match: Ruwaid Khan.

Mir bt TNS Splendid by 7 wickets. TNS Splendid: 144/9 in 20 overs (Muhammad Farukh 35, Abdullah Riaz 37, Russel Mohammad 16, Mohammad Abid 16 not out; Kashif Mir 3/25, Abdullah Azhar 2/11). Mir: 147/3 in 9.4 overs (Abdul Rehman 23, Salman Babar 81, Shahrukh Sheikh 22; Abdullah Riaz 3/13). Man of the match: Salman Babar.

Source: Khaleej Times