Tuesday 16 / April / 2024
Muscat: An unbeaten 49-run knock by Oman’s Sufyan Mahmood helped Dubai Destroyers defeat Bahrain Bravehearts by 73 runs and record their third successive victory in the ongoing T20 Arabian Cricket Carninal in Bahrain on Monday night.
The Omani star, who smashed two fours and two sixes in his 38-ball innings, was involved in an unbroken 133-run match-winning partnership for the fourth wicket with Usman Saeed as Dubai Destroyers recovered from 29 for the loss of wickets to score 162 for three in 20 overs.
Usman Saeed remained not out on 68, scored off 60 balls with four fours and six sixes.
In reply, Bahrain Bravehearts lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 89 runs in 14.2 overs.
Yousuf Rahim Al Balushi, another Omani representing Dubai Destroyers, failed with the bat scoring just three runs but took three crucial catches in the team’s victory.
Their third victory in the six-team event virtually ensured Dubai Destroyers’ place in the semifinals. In their first two matches, Dubai Destroyers defeated Kuwait Crusaders and Emirates Hurricane.
“I am really glad to have a played a crucial role in our team’s third win in as many matches. Personally, it is a very satisfying innings, more so because it contributed to the team’s cause,” Sufyan Mahmood, who said.
Speaking to Times Sport from Bahrain, the Omani all-rounder said: “We are now close to a semifinal spot. But before that we will have to focus on the remaining matches. We are a confident team now and we are looking forward for the rest of the tournament.”
Sufyan also made significant contributions in the first two matches, involving in a 45-run partnership with fellow Oman national player Amir Ali in their victory over Kuwait Crusaders and smashing a 19-ball 36 in a 70-run win against Emriates Hurricanes.
The Dubai Destroyers are scheduled to play their next group stage games against Saudi Arabian Rangers and Oman Avengers.
Earlier in the tournament, Oman’s another national player Mehran Khan hogged the limelight with a 30-ball century in Saudi Arabian Rangers victory over Bahrain Bravehearts.
Mehran remained unbeaten on 107 off just 32 balls as the Rangers achieved the target of 216 for eight in 20 overs set by Bravehearts, in just 18.1 overs for the loss of seven wickets.
The other players from Oman playing in the Carnival are Sajjad Khan and Bilal Khan for Kuwait Crusaders, Aaqib Ilyas for Oman Avengers and Babar Ali and Fayyaz Butt for Bahrain Bravehearts.
The Carnival, dubbed the biggest cricketing event in Bahrain, concludes with a grand finale on October 6.
