Feroz stars in Arab Udupi's memorable win

Dubai's B division team Arab Udupi, playing in their first A Division tournament, scored a memorable 62-run win over hosts NMC to enter the final of the New Medical Centre Trophy cricket tournament here on Friday.

A fine knock of 100 by Feroz Ahmed followed by a blistering spell from opening bowler Piyush Mallu (3 for 34) followed by A Vijay's three for 38 helped Arab Udupi carve out a classy win over the former champions NMC at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

NMC, chasing 290 for a win in 50 overs got off to a poor start as both openers Tahir Javed and Naveen Shetty fell to Mallu while Mohammed Kamil at the other end accounted for Pakistan junior player Saqib Ali.

Charinda Fernando became Mallu's third victim and NMC looked doomed at 45 for 4. But Chamara Zoysa stroked a fine unbeaten 107 ( 8 fours) but his partnership with Sandeep Dhuri ended when the latter was run out for 22. After that only Yogesh Mistry with 27 batted well while Zoysa ran out of partners.

Earlier, Arab Udupi were steadied by their middle order as Feroz's ton with eight fours was well complemented by A. Vijay (36), Ibrahim (29), Prashanth (31 of 19 balls with 3 sixes) and Sharan (26).

Arab Udupi are now on course for their second title of the season after having recently won the DULSCO Trophy. They await the winners of another clash between B division team Abu Dhabi Gymkhana against A division side CSS to be played next Friday.

Summarised scores
Arab Udupi 289 in 49.5 overs (Feroz Ahmed 100, A. Vijay 36, Ibrahim 29, Prashanth 31, Sharan 26, L.Fernando 4 for 40, Shadeep Shetty 2 for 54)
NMC 227 in 41.1 overs (Chamara Zoysa 107, Sandeep Dhuri 22, Yogesh Mistry 27, Piyush Mallu 3 for 34, A Vijay's three for 38).
Man of the match: Feroz Ahmed of Arab Udupi.