Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Gymkhana stunned United Bank Limited in a last-ball thriller to set up a final showdown with Alubond Tigers in the Farlin Ramadan Twenty20 Cup on Sunday at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Ikhlaq Butt was the match-winner for Gymkhana with a brilliant 65 not out. He carted UAE international Mohammed Shahzad’s final over of the inning for 16, hoisting the last ball of the over the long on for the maximum when the team needed five to win.
At 139 for nine, it looked all over for Gymkhana. That was when Ikhlaq took charge. He arrived at the crease when his team was struggling at 55 for five to carry his bat until the end.
Ikhlaq was well-supported by Adeel Raja (5 not out) to add 29 for the last wicket and get their team over the line against the more fancied UBL.
Rizwan Amanat, batting at No. 3, had contributed a well-compiled 58 before he departed at 98 in the 16th over.
His 38-ball knock was studded with half-a-dozen fours and two sixes while Ikhalq smashed eight fours and a couple of sixes during his 37-ball stay at the crease.
Alubond, the tournament favourites, eased to an eight-wicket win over Old School Boys in the first semi-final.
Shahid Sadqiue provided them a flying start, hitting 54 from 25 balls, and putting on 81 in nine overs for the opening wicket with Rohan Mustafa (24). Rameez Shahzad completed the demolition with a 15-ball 35 not out.
Brief Scores: Abu Dhabi Gymkhana beat United Bank Limited by one wicket. United Bank Limited 166 for 6 in 20 overs (Shahzad Malik 44 not out, Mohammed Naveed 37 not out, Amjad Ali 34, Sajjad Saeed 2-14) Abu Dhabi Gymkhana 168 for 9 in 20 overs (Ikhlaq Butt 65 not out, Rizwan Amanat 58, Umar Farooq 3-26)
Alubond Tigers beat Old School Boys by 8 wickets. Old School Boys 139 for 5 in 20 overs (Bilal Arshad 50 not out, Hafiz Kaleem 27, Zeeshan Akmal 27, Ahmed Raza 2-24) Alubond Tigers 141 for 2 in 15 overs (Shahid Sadique 54, Rameez Shahzad 35 not out).
