Dubai: Mohammad Azam produced a fine all-round display to help Eurocon Alubond Cricket Club stop Ibsons by 42 runs and lift the Danube Ramadan Twenty20 Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday night.
Left-handed Azam hit a quick 25 runs off just 11 ball studded with three boundaries and six at the closing stages of the Eurocon innings to help his team post an impressive 180 for 5 in the allotted 20 overs. Azam, who bowls left-arm spin, also struck vital blows to bag three wickets for just 14 runs to restrict Ibsons to 138 for 8.
Speaking to Gulf News after receiving the man of the final award, Azam said: "I came out to bat at No 6 with the aim of helping my team post a total of around 180 runs and I am happy I could achieve it with my partner Abdul Rehman [30n.o]."
Azam and Rehman put on an unconquered 38 runs off just 25 balls which in the end turned out to be vital in Eurocon's victory. Talking about his spell, Azam, who is an employee of Eurocon, said: "I went on to attack the wicket as they were going for their shots and I managed to get crucial wickets. I am very happy to receive the man of the final though I did win man of match in the quarterfinals. This is the second time after Ajman Ramadan Cup later year that I am winning the man of the final award."
Brisk start
Eurocon, after winning the toss, got off to a brisk start with openers putting on 52 runs in just four overs. Mahela Udawatte hit 16 runs off just 10 balls while Azeem Ghumman hit 38 runs off just 26 balls with seven boundaries. Though the inform Dilhara Lokuhettige hit only 11 runs, Abdul Rehman and Asif put on a 34 runs for the fourth wicket.
Asif hit 28 runs from 19 balls. Rehan also went on to share a good partnership with Vikrant Shetty who hit 19 runs off 15 balls.
Ibsons began slowly with first four overs producing just six runs but in the next two overs they hit up 36 runs with Mohammad Boota (18) and Faizan Asif in full flow.
Scores
Eurocon Alubond bt Ibsons by 42 runs. Eurocon: 180 for five in 20 overs (Azeem Ghumman 38, Asif 28, Abdul Rehman 30 n.o., Mohammad Azam 25 n.o; Fayyaz Ahmad 2 for 25) Ibsons CC: 138 for 8 in 20 overs (Faizan Asif 39, Baber Malek 43 n.o.; Ali Mudasser 4 for 12, Mohammad Azam 3 for 14).
Individual awards: Man of the Final: Mohammad Azam of Eurocon Alubond, Best Batsman: Faizan Asif of Ibsons, Best Bowler: Ali Mudassar of Eurocon Alubond, Player of the Tournament: Naveed Malek.
