Sharjah: Zawar Fareed cracked a brilliant century to guide Noor Al Yemen into the semi-final of the 44th Bukhatir Premier League 2018 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
The tournament is organised by the Sharjah Cricket Council.
In the first quarter-final, thanks to Fareed’s brilliant show as Noor Al Yemen defeated Sharjah Cricket Club by six wickets.
Chasing a target of 263 to win, Noor Al Yemen opener Fareed and Amjad Ali began on a positive but cautious note to achieve 66 runs in 12 overs. Amjad Ali departed scoring a 35-ball 32 including three boundaries. Shaiman Anwar scored a brisk 17-ball 24 but it was the partnership between Fareed and Safeer Tariq that ensured Noor Al Yemen crossed the line. Fareed spent 118 deliveries in the middle to score 13 boundaries and five sixes to hit a superb 138.
Safeer Tariq remained unbeaten on 52 from 58 deliveries containing three fours and two sixes as Noor Al Yemen overhauled the target in 42.1 overs.
Earlier, batting first, Sharjah Cricket Club did not have the best of the starts but a late sixth-wicket partnership of 60 runs from Ahmad Butt (58, 101, 4x4) and Kashif Dawood (25, 39b, 1x6) followed by a fine 76 off only 35 deliveries from Ansar Khan ensured their club reached a healthy 262 for eight in 50 overs.
For Noor Al Yemen, Zahir Siddiqui claimed three wickets while Mujahid Amin picked two.
Brief scores: Noor Al Yemen bt Sharjah Cricket Club by 6 wkts. Sharjah Cricket Club: 262 for 8 in 50 overs (Ahmad Butt 58, Kashif Dawood 25, Ansar Khan 76; Zahir Siddiqui 3 for 25, Mujahid Amin 2 for 53). Noor Al Yemen: 263 for 4 in 42.1 overs (Zawar Fareed 138, Amjad Ali 32, Shaiman Anwar 24, Safeer Tariq 52; Ahmed Butt 3 for 49).
