Azmat ton lifts Abu Dhabi Gymkhana to victory

Ali Azmat scored a superb century as Abu Dhabi Gymkhana notched a mammoth 156-run victory over Multiplex International in the 39th Bukhatir League ‘A’ Division Tournament organised by the Sharjah Cricket Council.

Winning the toss and choosing to bat first at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi Gymkhana were in a spot of bother when Syed Asif struck twice early on.

But barring those tense moments, it was Abu Dhabi Gymkhana who dominated the entire proceedings thereafter.

Saqib Shah and Azmat put on a massive 185-run stand for the third wicket that set the perfect base for Abu Dhabi Gymkhana.

While Shah was the more belligerent hitting six boundaries and one six during his 91-ball 87, Azmat paced his innings calmly taking 127 deliveries to score 100 consisting of five hits to the ropes and three over it.

Despite the strong foundation, it was gritty knocks by Sajjad Saeed (37) and Asim Khursheed (47) that raised hopes for Abu Dhabi Gymkhana who accumulated a massive 317 for eight in 50 overs.

For Multiplex International, Syed Asif bagged five for 70.

Faced with a daunting target, Multiplex International crumbled under pressure losing three wickets for just 24 runs.

It was a twin strike from Jamshaid while Adeel Raja accounted for the other.

Saqib Maqsood managed to stop the rot briefly with Muhammad Yasjir (26) putting on 51 runs for the fourth wicket.

But once this partnership ended there was more trouble for Multiplex International losing two quick wickets quickly.

Maqsood, who had scored a steady 60 from 83 deliveries with the help of five boundaries, too perished becoming Jamshaid’s third victim.

Zaheer Ahmed refused to surrender without a fight adding 28 from 68 balls but Rehan Muhammad bagged three wickets as Multiplex International were bundled out for only 161 in 41.2 overs.

Brief scores

Abu Dhabi Gymkhana bt Multiplex International by 156 runs

Abu Dhabi Gymkhana 317 for 8 in 50 overs (Saqib Shah 87, Ali Azmat 100, Sajjad Saeed 37, Asim Khursheed 47; Syed Asif 5 for 70, Sharif Khurram 2 for 55). Multiplex International 161 all out in 41.2 overs (Saqib Maqsood 60, Muhammad Yasjir 26, Zaheer Ahmed 28; Jamshaid 3 for 42, Rehan Muhammad 3 for 25, Arfan Haider 2 for 12). Man of the Match: Ali Azmat of AD Gymkhana. Umpires: Arshad Ansari and Hussain Jaffri. Scorers: Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Ramees.

 

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