Kannur Veerans start KPL Dubai campaign in style

UAE player Arshad Ali’s all-round performance helped defending champions Dunes Cuisine Kannur Veerans beat Calicut Zamorins supported by Du by 27 runs in the inaugural match of KPL Dubai season two at the Dubai Sports City stadium on Friday night.

The Twenty20 tournament, being held under the auspices of Dubai Cricket Council, was officially inaugurated by Kerala Labour Minister Shibu Baby John in the presence of Indian cricketer S Sreesanth, national film award winner Suresh Gopi and DCC secretary Mohammed Lokhandwala.

Arshad Ali, who made his one-day international debut against India at Dambulla in 2004, smashed a half-century and then picked up two wickets to ensure a smooth victory for Kannur, who batted first.

Ali, who opened with Prashanth Bragss, scored a 49-ball 55 with the help of four boundaries. Bragss fell for nine, but Saqib Ali, another UAE player, gave the opener good company by contributing 22 off 23 balls.

Amjad Javed later chipped in with an aggressive 27 off 16, including two fours. Kannur made a respectable 140/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Among the Calicut bowlers, Ahmed was impressive, picking up two wickets for 26 runs from his four overs.

Fernando, Salman and Zubair bagged one wicket apiece.

Calicut’s reply wasn't a convincing one as their batsmen failed to put up good partnerships. Opening batsmen Vijesh fell for 11, while his partner Qais made 5.

Shauakat too fell cheaply and Calicut went on to lose wickets at regular intervals.

Rajesh fought valiantly in the losing cause, making a 14-ball 26, including two sixes and one four.

His cameo gave some respectability to Calicut’s score.
Eventually they had to settle for 114 for nine at the end of 20 overs.

Saqib Ali was the pick of Kannur bowlers, as he took two wickets for 19 runs from his four overs.

Javed was impressive, taking two wickets for 14 runs from three overs.

Captain CTK Masood, Saqib Ali and Shetty too picked up one wicket apiece.

The next KPL matches will be held at the ICC Global Cricket Academy grounds on Thursday.

Phoenix Medicine Kollam Kernals will meet Thumbay Kasargod Leopards, while Trissur Dynamites Yogi Group will face Globelink Weststar Shipping Pathanamthitta Rajas.

Brief scores:

Kannur Veerans beat Calicut Zamorins by 27 runs
Kannur (Arshad Ali 55, Saqib Ali 22, Javed 27, Ahmed 2/26)
Calicut (Rajesh 26, Arshad Ali 2/19, Javed 2/14)
Man of the match: Arshad Ali (Kannur Veerans)
 

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