Sharjah: Wings Warriors came up with a disciplined performance to defeat Kuwait Dashers by a comfortable 58 runs and emerge champions in the inaugural Desert Premier League 2013.
The tournament was held under the auspices of Sharjah Cricket Council at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Wings Warriors found themselves in trouble, losing two quick wickets for 10 runs and then another a little while later, to make it 35 for three.
But Bilal Irshad and Khurram Khan stopped the rot, putting on 30 runs for the fourth wicket. Irshad smashed two big sixes during his 21-ball stay to score 24.
Razziq Khan joined Khurram at the crease and both made good progress to put Wings Warriors into a commanding position.
While Khurram faced just 28 deliveries to score 43 (consisting of four boundaries), Razziq smashed 35 from 22 balls, including one hit to the ropes and three over it. A late 21 runs from Abdul Haq ensured Wings Warriors achieved 155 for nine in 20 overs.
Chasing a challenging total, Kuwait Dashers were held back by some brilliant bowling by Peter Connell and Razziq, losing two wickets.
Usman Gani (23) tried to revive the innings but he kept losing his partners, with Razziq and Khurram bowling well in tandem to shatter the middle order. While Razziq accounted for three wickets, Khurram scalped two.
Waseem Ashraf removed another two as Kuwait Dashers lost their way completely. Bilal Muzaffar (20) waged a late rally, but could only delay the inevitable as they were bundled out for a modest 97 in 16.5 overs.
While Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf was the guest of honour, Sharjah Cricket Council’s Mazhar Khan and Ali Anwar, along with DPL T20 organiser Moin Mohammad, gave away the prizes.
