Dubai: The Al Dhaid Cricket Village grounds produced a thrilling contest between two of the strongest domestic teams in the UAE.

Nucaf Tellicherry defeated Eurocon Alubond by five wickets with just two balls to spare in the Twenty20 semifinal of the fourth Al Dhaid tournament.

Eurocon posted an impressive 199 for 5 in 20 overs through Nazir Aziz's elegant 69. Tellicherry batsmen chased the total with determination through Maqsood Ahmad, who hit 68, and Frioz, who chipped in with 56. Hareez to hit a quick 45.

Meanwhile, the touring Marylebone Cricket Club recorded an easy victory over Emirates Cricket Board Development XI made up of budding youngsters.

ECB posted 145 through Salman Farook's 47. MCC reached the target in 32.1 over through Arfan Akran's unbeaten 60. Young Vignesh's effort of three wickets for 26 runs went in vain.

Century in vain

In the AJ Invitation tournament at Al Dhaid, Age Group lost to Solanki Cricket Club by five runs despite Mann Siddique hitting 106.

Meanwhile in another match of the same tournament, Jayaprakash of Universal Steel, who hit 137, ensured a 90-run win over Sharjah Eagles.

The Al Dhaid Gold Cup is also in full swing with Darwish Bin Ahmad Club beating Amazon Club by five wickets.

In Dubai, Seven Seas down Eleven Cricket Club by 27 runs.

Big response

Maxtalent has announced staging of the fourth edition of the Maxtalent Acer Cup inter-school tournament from April 1 for age categories under-13, under-17 and girls under-17.

Last year 35 teams participated in the tournament and the organisers are expecting 50 teams to participate this year.

Delhi Private School emerged champions in Under-13 and Under-17 last year while DPS, Dubai girls won the Under-17 event.

Summarised scores

Fourth Al Dhaid tournament (semifinal): Nucaf Tellicherry bt Eurocon Alubond by 5 wickets. Eurocon Alubond 199 for 5 in 20 overs (Safdar Niazi 37, Nasir Aziz 69, Haris Baig 38, Ameen Mujitaba 29, C T K Mashood 2 for 29) Nucaf Tellicherry 200 for 5 in 19.4 overs (Hareez 45, Firoz 56, Maqsood 68, Ameen Mujataba 2 for 32). Man of the match: Maqsood Ahmad of Nucaf Tellicherry.

AJ Invitation League: Solanki CC bt Age Group CC by five runs. Solanki CC 221/7 in 20 overs (Mohammad Kaif 58, Mohammad Umer 32, Usman 40, Azeem 3 for 27, Fawaz 2 for 51) Age Group CC 216 for 5 in 20 overs (Mann Siddique 106, Faraz Naeem 64, Usman 2 for 23). Man of the match: Usman of Solanki.

Universal Steel bt Sharjah Eagle by 90 runs. Universal Steel 246 for 4 in 20 overs (Jayaprakash 137, Hari 84 not out, Mudasir 2 for 30) Sharjah Eagle 156 (Shahid 33, Waheed 23, Sailesh 31, Asif 3 for 34, Shakeel 2 for 28). Man of the match: Jayaprakash of Universal Steel.