ECB U-17 provide fright before falling

BY : SYED SHAHZAD AFZAL.
In a close match of the ongoing Consolidated Shipping Gold Cup, ECB Under-17 in their second outing had almost stunned their senior rivals, but thanks to an unbeaten 59 by Fauz that saved the blushes for Sharjah C.C., who scampered to a narrow 3-wicket victory.

The outcome of the match remained uncertain right up to the last moment as Sharjah C.C. chasing 151 for victory, started on a solid note but lost their way in the middle stages before being helped by Fauz, who ensured victory with 1.4 overs to spare.

The start to Sharjah C.C.'s innings was quite confident, reaching 41 for the loss of just one wicket. But they were soon reduced to 92 for 5, giving the young boys a slight hope of squeaking past Sharjah C.C.. One drop, Fauz showed his skills to the utmost and rescued the once mighty side with a fine unbeaten 59 off 60 balls while Imran chipped in with a useful 27 from the top. Khalid (2/29) bowled well along with Riyaz (1/20) and Imran (1/18).

Earlier, ECB under 17 did reasonably well to post a total of 150 for 6 in the allotted 30 overs, after they were reduced to 56 for 3. Stylish, Ramveer Rai top scored with a patient 26 while Imran (20) and Wasim (23) mustered quick runs toward the end of the innings to boost the eventual total. Irshad (2/11), Jamil (2/31) and Rameez (2//22) pinned down the batsmen with accurate bowling and returned with impressive figures.

Irrespective of the outcome, the match was evenly contested throughout, as a number of players – both young and experienced – from either side displayed memorable performances for their sides. And ECB under-17 proved once again they are no hopers and consist of a bunch of good players who can do wonders in Bangladesh in the forthcoming ICC under-17 tournament.

Click Here for Brief Scorecard.

Friday, January 26, 2001.
source : © UAEcricket.com.