Defending champions for Afridi CC

Defending champions William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana recorded a thumping 138-run victory over Afridi CC to make a confident start to their campaign in the Bukhatir League ‘A’ Division Tournament, organised by the Sharjah Cricket Council, at the Sharjah stadium. Spearheaded by a brilliant knock of 64 by Asim Khurshid, the Abu Dhabi team rattled up a competitive 232 before being all out in the 46th over and the bowled out their opponents for a paltry 94 to seal a comprehensive win. Khurshid hit six fours in his 70-ball innings as Awaid Aftab (42 off 59 balls), Humayun Gill (27 not out off 38 balls) and Mohammed Faisal (26 off 36 balls) kept the momentum going with some fine batting. Mohammed Zahid claimed three for 41 while Naveed Safeem picked up a couple. Afridi CC, in reply, failed to negotiate the Abu Dhabi Gymkhana attack and folded up in a heap. Irfan Haider wrecked their innings, taking four for 17 while Reeshyan Safeer and Humayun Gill added to Afridi CC's misery, grabbing two wickets each. William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana CC beat Afridi CC by 138 runs: William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana CC 232 all out in 45.2 overs (Asim Khurshid 64, Awais Aftab 42, Humayun Gill, Mohammed Faisal 26; Mohammed Zahid 3-41, Naveed Safeem 2-48) Afridi CC 94 all out in 27.5 overs (Abdul Haq 17, Abdul Shakoor 14; Irfan Haider 4-17, Reeshyan Safeer 2-8, Humayun Gill 2-13, Asim Khurshid 1-18). Man of the match: Asim Khurshid of William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana CC. Umpires: Iftikhar Ali and Arshad Ansari. Scorers: Zameel Hameed and Rizky Hameed.