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28 March 2024

Ashan, Sandeep shine in NMC win

New Medical Centre team. (SUPPLIED)

Published
By Staff

An unbroken century partnership between Ashan Ali and Sandeep Shetty ensured New Medical Centre (NMC) notch a convincing four-wicket win over United Bank Limited as Imran Maqsood’s superb century went in vain in the 39th Bukhatir League ‘A’ Division Tournament organised by the Sharjah Cricket Council.

NMC openers had a tricky task in hand chasing a target of 253 under lights at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

But openers Niresh Fernando (37, 33b, 6x4) and Shehan Hirudika (20, 35b, 3x4) responded to the situation well adding a half century stand to the first wicket. 

UBL stepped up their bowling attack and it paid off when NMC lost five wickets in a hurry.

At 110 for five, NMC really need a big partnership to revive the situation.

That came in the form of a sixth-wicket stand of 38 runs between Ali and Nalin Thenuwara (21, 24b, 2x1, 1x4) which settled things to a certain extent.

But the arrival of Sandeep, who joined Ali, completely took the game away from UBL as the duo ensured NMC reached the target comfortably in the 44th over.

While Ali played a gutsy knock of 71 not out from 75 deliveries consisting of five boundaries, Sandeep scored an unbeaten 49 from 48 balls including five hits to the fence and one over it.

For UBL, Zaheer Maqsood was the pick of the bowler claiming three wickets.

Earlier, opting to bat first, UBL lost UAE player Amjad Ali early but Imran Maqsood and Naeem Deen (37, 68b, 3x4) controlled the proceedings as they milked 90 runs for the second wicket.

Maqsood went on to achieve a well-crafted century from 118 balls with four boundaries and as many sixes.

Other significant contributions from Aqeel Anwar (28, 35b, 1x4, 1x6) and Atif Ifthikar (28, 24b, 4x4) helped UBL post 252 all out in 49.1 overs.

UAE veteran Saqib Ali bagged three wickets while Afaq Ahmed took two for NMC.

Brief scores:


New Medical Centre beat United Bank Limited by four wickets.
UBL 252 all out in 49.1 overs (Amjad Ali 17, Imran Maqsood 100, Naeem Deen 37, Aqeel Anwar 28, Atif Ifthikar 28; Saqib Ali 3 for 42, Afaq Ahmed 2 for 45)

NMC 256 for 6 in 43.2 overs (Niresh Fernando 37, Shehan Hirudika 20, Azim Ijaz 19, Ashan Ali 71, Nalin Thenuwara 21, Sandeep Shetty 49 not out; Zaheer Maqsoon 3 for 67).

Man of the Match: Ashan Ali of NMC. Umpires: Naveed Ismail and Hamid Mukthar. Scorers: Zameel Hameed and M.S.Mohammad Ramees.