Dubai: The UAE’s unique two-day tournament this week saw hosts Danube Lions take maximum points from Al Faraa in the event’s opening match.
The event is branded as the Danube Test Series and is being held at the Dubai International Stadium. In the opener, Al Faraa elected to bat first and were bowled out for 219 in 65.5 overs despite Imran Maqsood’s 52 and Mohammad Altaf’s 31.
Riaz Afridi and Emmad Ali took three wickets each, with Zahoor Khan claiming two.
In reply, Danube finished the first day on 114 for two, with Fakhir Zaman cracking 49 and Asif Iqbal chipping in with 35. UAE opener Andri Berenger remained unbeaten on 22.
On the second day, Danube lost night watchman Emmad Ali for four, dismissed by Hafeez-ur-Rehman. Berenger went past 50 before being bowled by an inswinging delivery from Sudhir Singh. He hit a classy 57 that included 11 boundaries.
Danube skipper Abid Ali (54) and Samiullah Younis (28) then put on a 61-run stand as they crossed the 300 mark before declaring at 308 for eight for a lead of 89 runs.
In the second innings, Al Faraa played with caution but still lost opener Jay Kansara for two and one-drop Maqsood for one. Babar Bashir (29) and Ijaz Bashir (18) ensured a draw as the team scored 113 for six. Zahoor took three for 39.
Danube, thanks to their first innings lead, ended with 23 points while Al Faraa took eight.
With most matches likely to end in draws, the team with most points will emerge the winners.
The series is sponsored and organised by Danube in collaboration with Dubai Cricket Council. Delhi Darbar and Cha Cha Chai are sponsors.
The toss was conducted by Maqbool Dudhia, Head of Sports Business at Dubai Sports City.
