Abu Dhabi: Pakistan internationals Shahzaib Hassan and Hassan Raza both scored half-centuries to help their teams into the final of the Onashi Trading Pan Global Development Ramadan Twenty20 Cup.
Hassan smashed 54 off 31 balls and shared a 77-run first wicket partnership in eight overs with Ashfaque Ahmad (14) to lay the foundation for Wings’ 14-run win over Al Jabeen.
Raza played the sheet anchor role to compile a top score of 55 not out and also took two wickets for two runs to guide Alubond Tigers to a 36-run triumph over MMS Rental.
Both semi-finals were played at the Shaikh Zayed Cricket stadium.
Hassan made the most of a catch that went abegging. The opener had scored just one when he was dropped at extra cover. He went on to clobber four sixes and an equal number of fours to topscore for his team.
His departure triggered a collapse as four wickets fell for 11 runs before a cameo from Sajjad Khwarakee, who hit 30 off 17 deliveries, took the Wings total to a more challenging one.
Khurram Khan, who was run out without scoring, was given the new ball and he provided the early break by dismissing Yaqoob Masih (0) with the second ball of the innings.
The UAE captain then ended a threatening second-wicket stand when he had Abdul Rahman, the other opener, trapped in front for 20 with the score at 41.
In the other game, Raza drew on all his experience to hold the Tigers’ innings together but it was Umair Ali Khan’s 40 not out from 18 balls that gave his team the lift they wanted.
Raza’s 43-ball knock was highlighted by five fours and a six, and he featured in a valuable 75-run stand with Umair for the sixth wicket without being separated.
Nasir Aziz, the UAE spinner, was the pick of the Tigers bowling with four for 13 from four overs as MMS Rental were bowled out for 110.
