SCPCO outplayed MRCC in the Premier Division of the Al-Markb League 2016-17, organized by Eastern Province Cricket Association (EPCA) and sponsored by Al-Markb International here. SCPCO defeated MRCC by 135 runs. Batting first, a splendid century from Shahzad (187) helped SCPCO post a massive total of 320 runs. Shahid (5-15) was the pick of the bowlers and was well supported by Amir (3-33). While chasing, MRCC was bundled out for 186, due to excellent bowling by Waqas (4-47) and Mohsin (3-42). Shahid (28) and Sawan (23) were the main contributors with the bat. An all-round performance from Waseem handed SKFCC a 33-run victory over ADCC. Batting first, SKFCC set a 285-run target. Waseem (67), Asif (40) and Kashaan (39), contributed with the bat, while Zaigham took 2 wickets. In reply, half-centuries by Kashif (60) and Faisal (54) couldn't help ADCC as Imran (3-51) along with Waseem, Asif and Faraz (2 wickets each) ran through its batting order. PGCC openers Wahab (85) and Saad (54) started in an explosive manner against Honda. Moiz then belted a century (123) to help his team post 360. Kashif took 2 wickets. In reply, Honda showed some resilience in batting through Noman (78) and Kashif (48). But Muqeem (4-47) and Yaseen (3-52) wrapped up Honda for 228 in 32 overs. In a low scoring match in First Division, PXCC defeated BDYCC by 3 wickets. Deciding to bat first, BDYCC managed 125 as Naveed (5-46) destroyed its batting lineup. Hannan (44) and Zainuddin (38) were its main scorers. In reply, excellent bowling by Asif (4-20) kept BDYCC in the race, but Abaid (38) and Ansar (20) gave PXCC the much-needed victory. An unbeaten century by Rajeesh (118) handed Ashes a 7-wicket win over DHECC. Batting first, DHECC tallied 223. Taswar (60) and Asad (58) were the main contributors. For Ashes, Manu (4-38) and Rajesh (3-34) bowled well. Rajesh started the chase in style scoring 44 in just 17 balls, and later it was Rajeesh's century that led Ashes to victory. For DHECC, Fida took 2 wickets. KBCC continued its winning streak by setting a 251-run target against Shayan. Shamnad, who hit 86, was adjudged the Man of the Match. For Shayan, Zia (3-43) and Farrukk (3-52) bowled well. While defending the target, KBCC bowlers restricted Shayan to 187. Tariq took 4 wickets, while Noushad, Kiran and Anfin took 2 each. Shakeel (36) and Zuhaib (39) were the only batsmen to show some resilience. TACC, batting first, was bundled out for 159. Only Nafsal (64) showed some class against the spin bowling of Falcons. Farhan (3-21) and Ruman (2-28) were the pick of the bowlers. While chasing, Farhan (66) and Ubaid (43) helped Falcons cross the winning line easily with 7 wickets in hand. In other matches, Saipem defeated GCC by 4 wickets, Zalmi downed YSCC by 57 runs, BTCC won over HGCC by 3 wickets, KXICC outplayed FRCC by 6 wickets, ENERCO remained undefeated, securing a 7-wicket win over RKCC, TSSQCC defeated Bawardi by 6 wickets, Tamimi beat Gladiators by 8 wickets in just 13.3 overs, EMSCC outplayed AJACC by 6 wickets and KKKCC edged past EACC by 13 runs. — SG
