Highlanders rip Alleppey to enter KPL final

A belligerent half century by Raziq Khan (50) helped Trotters-Waynard Highlanders stun CSS-Alleppey by five wickets in the first semi-final of the Kerala Premier League tournament at the ICC GCA grounds.

The tournament is sponsored by Capital Group, organised by KPL Dubai and conducted by the Dubai Cricket Council.

Chasing a target of 150, openers Raziq Khan and Amjad Ali gave Waynard a flying start by posting 54 runs.

After Ali was dismissed by Shehazad Manna, former Sri Lanka international Dilhara Lokuhettige then partnered Raziq to maintain the momentum with a 54-run partnership.

Raziq dominated with some exhilirating stroekplay smashing four huge sixes and five boundaries before falling to Haji Irfan.

Dilhara then took on the responsibility making a useful 24 off 32 as he shepherded the other batsmen.

Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammed Nabi with 16 runs and local star Mohammed Azam with 17 then took them close to victory while Sajjad Saeed with a crucial unbeaten 16 ensured a win for Waynard with eight balls to spare.

CSS-Alleppey which had ruled the roost throughout the tournament in the league stage could not carry their success in the knock-out semifinal.

Six batsmen got starts but could not convert it into a big innings except Fayyaz Ahmed who was the main stay with a knock of 35 off 25 with five boundaries and a six.

Sajjad Saeed was the pick of the bowlers for Waynard claiming three for 20 while Raziq Khan capped a fine all-round performance to pick up two wickets and bag the man of the match award.

Brief scores

Trotters-Waynard Highlanders beat CSS-Alleppey Ripples by 5 wickets
CSS Alleppey Ripples 150 for all out in 19.3 overs (Asif Iqbal  20, Haji Irfan Akram  24, Fayyaz Ahmed 35, Shibith B. 22, Sajjad Saeed  3-20, Raziq Khan  2-13)
Trotters-Wayanad Highlanders 153 for 5 in 18.4 overs (Raziq Khan 50, Amjad Ali  18, Danushka Dilhara Lokuhettige 24, Fayyaz Ahmed  2-17)
Man of the Match : Raziq Khan of Trotters-Wayanad Highlanders
Umpires : Tariq Butt and Akbar Ali.

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