Dubai: Wings SRT XI won the inaugural two-day Danube Test series after beating Yogi Group in the final by virtue of their first innings lead at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy Oval ground here.
Former West Indies Test star Ryan Hinds spearheaded Wings’ victory charge with an unbeaten 111 as they raced past Yogi Group’s total of 249 all out in 69.3 overs. Wings scored 274 for 7 in 65 overs, with Ashfaq Ahmad adding 57 and Ishtiaq Ghouri remaining unbeaten on 39.
Yogi Group’s Shehzad Manna’s four-wicket spell for 80 and knock of 69 went in vain.
Neeraj Ramamoorthy, owner of the Wings team, told Gulf News: “We dedicate our victory to the legendary Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. We added the initials SRT to our team on the day Tendulkar retired and, ever since, my team have become winners like him, inspired by the legend.”
Manna put Yogi Group in a strong position late on the first day by taking three quick wickets after his side were bowled out.
Wings then slipped further into trouble, losing two more wickets, but Hinds and Zimbabwean star Charles Coventry put on a valuable 66 runs before Coventry fell leg before to Sunny Patel.
Patel also dismissed Glenn Querl and a first-innings lead looked far away at 153 for 7. But Wings’ wicketkeeper Ghouri provided good support to Hinds and they took the lead to gain maximum points and win the series.
The win also turned out to be a birthday gift for Ramamoorthy, who went on laud Hinds’ contribution. “He has been our trump card and he produced his best in the final,” the team boss said. “He has won us the Sharjah 40-over Gold Cup and the Superstars tournament title through his performances in the finals. He also inspires our players with tips.
“To become the first champions of a two-day event is a big honour.”
Anees Sajan of Danube was delighted with the success of the tournament and said he hopes to organise an expanded second edition. “This year we could include only six teams, but due to huge demand the next event will be played over 24 days with nine teams,” he said.
