Khaliq grabs seven as
ECB Colts crush ACA

BY : SYED SHAHZAD AFZAL.

MEHRAJ KHALIQ

Mehraj Khaliq captured 7 wickets as Saeed Al Saffar's men crushed Alain Cricket Association by a huge margin of 178 runs in the ongoing NMC Trophy 2000-01, organized by Abu Dhabi Cricket Council.

Mehraj Khaliq, who took 4 for 30 against UNB on Friday, continued his magic and tore apart the top and middle order of ACA to return with remarkable figures of 7 wickets for 22 runs in 8 overs, taking his tally to 11 in 2 matches.

Followed up by an impressive batting display, ECB Colts aided by a fiery display of seam bowling from Mehraj Khaliq bowled out ACA for 77 runs to clinch victory by a huge margin of 178 runs.

In a game the ECB Colts dominated from start to finish, ACA Colts stumbled to 77 all out in 16.4 overs. Disaster struck when ACA were 13 for no loss, Khaliq moved in to the kill and wicket fell like nine pins as ACA slumped from 13/1 to 5/26 and then 41/6 to 77 all out.

Saeed Akhtar (17), Shahid (10) and Amanat (10) managed to scrape to the double figure mark for ACA. Besides, Khaliq's incredible wicket-taking performance, Mohd. Tauqeer claimed 2 wickets for 9 runs.

Earlier, ECB Colts fresh from their 7-run victory over UNB, added 76 runs for the opening wicket partnership to set the tone for a confident start.

Openers, Abdul Wahab (25) and Baber Malik (37) were dismissed when they looked set for big scores. Saeed Al Saffar continued his good form with a patient 41 while Mehmood Pir Bux (55) further consolidated the position when he notched up a solid half century. He belted 3 sixes and 4 fours in his 66-ball stay at the wicket. M Tauqeer (21) and M Khaliq (14) were the other useful run getters.

For ACA, Imran (2/57) and Tariq (2/35) were the leading wicket takers.

ECB Colts have now topped their group with 4 points from 2 games while NMC and UNB having played 2 matches each have earned 2 points each. ACA is yet to open its winning account.

A confident looking ECB Colts will now meet NMC, champions of Catch Spring Water Gold in their last league match of the NMC Trophy.

Points Table

Click Here for Brief Scorecard.

Monday, January 01, 2001.
source : © UAEcricket.com.