Iqbal Shah’s 5-wkt haul lifts ADDF

BY : SYED SHAHZAD AFZAL.

IQBAL SHAH

Iqbal Shah registered the first 5-wicket haul of the tournament as high flying ADDF raced to their second successive victory of the tournament on Thursday. This time they thumped Zulekha Hospital by a comfortable margin of 7 wickets in the ongoing Consolidated Shipping Gold Cup, conducted by Sharjah Cricket Council.

Abu Dhabi Duty free, one of the strong favourites for the coveted title cruised to victory for the loss of 3 wickets, after Iqbal Shah demolished Zulekha Hospital with a 5-wicket haul. The victory has almost assured ADDF of a berth in the knock out stage with a game in hand.

After winning the toss and batting first, Zulekha Hospitals’ opening pair lasted just for 4 runs and their decision to bat first backfired severely when they limped to 10 for 2. In an exhibition of fine seam and pace bowling, Iqbal Shah caused the early damage and wrecked the prospects of a big total, toppling the top order with a fiery spell. Struggling to cope with the regular loss of wickets, Zulekha Hospital caved in meekly and their inexperience in the big league was exposed when their innings folded for a disappointing 97 in 19.2 overs. Seasoned campaigner, Iqbal Shah returned with impressive analysis of 5 for 21 in the stipulated 6 overs, including a venom filled maiden over. Nadeem worked in tandem and ably supported him with 2 wickets. Only Adnan (15) and Faraz (18*) offered some resistance as all other batsmen struggled and perished without any substantial contribution.

Saleem Reza and Ahmed Nadeem led the victory charge for ADDF with hurricane knocks. Hard hitting, Saleem Reza departed for 28 off 22 balls while Ahmed Nadeem along with Ilyas carried ADDF home with 7 wickets in hand and with plenty of overs to spare. Ahmed Nadeem hit a breezy unbeaten 30 off just 12 balls, including 5 fours and a six. Nadeem snared 2 wickets but proved expensive, giving away 28 runs in 3 overs.

Iqbal Shah, the hero of the night for ADDF, was declared the man of the match for his outstanding effort with the ball.

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Thursday, January 25, 2001.
source : © UAEcricket.com.