Test star Yousuf’s nephew Arshad steals the show

Dubai: Bilal Arshad, the nephew of Pakistan Test star Mohammad Yousuf, helped Interface Transworld lift the 12th City Diamonds UAE National Day Cup at the Faiground Oval. Unlike his uncle, Arshad is a left-handed batsman and also bowls medium pace.

In the final, he cracked an unbeaten 31 and bowled tightly giving away just 16 runs to pick one wicket. In the semifinal too he cracked an unbeaten 35 to steer Interface to a six wicket win over defending champions Aiko Cricket Club. His allround performance won him the man of the tournament award.

Speaking to Gulf News, Arshad said: “It was a different experience for me as this tournament is a seven-a-side match and one has to go for the shots from the start. I enjoyed going for my shots and I am delighted at having steered Interface to victory.”

Twenty-six-year-old Arshad played alongside Yousuf in domestic cricket. “I learned a lot from Yousuf as we often practised and played a lot of matches together in Pakistan. I played for Electricity Board team in Pakistan before coming here two and half years ago. The organiser of this tournament Tariq Butt introduced me to Interface and I have been enjoying playing in the UAE’s domestic cricket,” added Arshad.

Batting first, Brooks Cricket Club set a target of 59. Shakoor Ahmad hit an unbeaten 20 and was supported by teammates Khuram Khan (17 n.o.) and Farhan Khan (12). Arshad was the only wicket taker for Interface.

Chasing the total, Interface Transworld scored 61 runs in just 3.5 overs, losing one wicket. Arshad hit 31 and had to retire as per the match rules. Fahad Tariq chipped in with 16 runs. All prizes were donated by Deepak Arora of City Diamond and Freddy Sidhwa of Seven Seas.

Brooks had reached the final stopping last year’s runner-up Seven Seas in the semifinal.