Sharjah: Mohammad Boota continued the top form that he displayed in domestic cricket to clinch a place in the UAE national team in the Al Dhaid Gold Cup final on Saturday. Boota cracked an unbeaten century and guided Multiplex International to a six-wicket win over Mir Cricket Club to lift the 10th edition of the Al Dhaid Gold Cup, organised by the Sharjah Cricket Council.
Chasing Mir Club’s 265 for nine in 40 overs, Boota dominated the final — preventing his opponents from getting any chance of a fightback. He hit an unbeaten 121 off just 100 balls, studded with five boundaries and as many sixes and guided Multiplex to the target in 38.5 overs.
Haroon Ahmad gave him good support through a fourth-wicket partnership that generated 159 runs. Ahmad hit 78 off 76 deliveries with four boundaries and an equal number of sixes. Ali Zeeshan also chipped in with a 35-ball 37.
Batting first, Mir Club got off to a fine start with Syed Maqsood (35) and Abdullah Azhar (85) adding 86 runs for first wicket. Salman Randhawa hit a 58-ball 79 runs while Saqlain Haider scored 24 to help Mir post 265 for nine in 40 overs.
This tournament saw some outstanding performances. C.P. Rizwan of Bukhatir XI continued his top form in recent tournaments to win the best batsman award.
Speaking to Gulf News, Rizwan who piled up 230 runs from four matches, said: “I am delighted to bag another top award. I had hit an unbeaten 51 against finalists Mir Club, scored an unbeaten 100 against Eurocon and then 45 against Defenders Club.”
