JEDDAH — Jeddah Gladiators became the first team to qualify for the knockouts of S:mile Cup 7th season of JCT. Powered by a superb 90 by Man of the Match Amir Khan and another extraordinary bowling performance by the tournament's leading wicket-taker Afsar (13 wickets in 3 matches), Gladiators won their third consecutive league match to book a berth in the knockouts. On the other hand, Hyderabad Royals and Kokan XI — two of the strongest contenders to lift the trophy — suffered a setback as they lost their matches against Bhatkal XI and Rockers CC, respectively. Tournament organizers Azizia Deccan had an easy outing in their first game where they ran past Salama Falcons helped by fine bowling performance to restrict the opponents to 72 and then chase down the total with 3.4 overs remaining. This 15-over championship is mainly sponsored by S:Mile and powered by Al-Salem York. It is also supported by Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC) and co-sponsored by Datco, Biryani House, B-Cola and Captains cafeteria. Results: Rockers CC 100 in 15 overs (Inrahim 18, Rayyan 4-12) beat Kokan XI 93-5 (Qias 31, Danish 26, Jalil 2-14). Man of the Match: Jalil. United Brothers CC 88-7 (Afzal 34 not out, Manoj 2-6, Anas 2-14) lost to Heroes CC Mahjar 89-5 in 10.1 Overs (Ranees 23 not out, Anas 16, Zishan 2-9). MOM: Anas. ATS Jeddah 150-9 (Dinesh 71, Aadil 3-44) beat AD Royals 52 in 11.2 overs (Imbeshat 19, Yogananda 4-3). MOM: Dinesh. Jeddah Gladiators 156-3 (Amir Khan 90, Irbaz 1-14) beat Bhatkal CA 35 in 11.2 overs (Hammad 10, Afsar 4-4, Salman 3-4) MOM: Amir Khan. Elite CC 128-6 (Amir Khan 58, Abdulzaheer 2-15) beat AD Smashers 72 in 12.4 overs (Sree Sivam 14, Amir Khan 3-12). MOM: Amir Khan. Gulbarga CT 112-9 (Abdulnayeem 37, Mohsin 3-25) beat AD Avengers 104-8 (Ashra 27, Himayat 2-11). MOM: AbdulNayeem. Salama Falcons CC 73 in 14.3 overs (Salman 24, Asif 3-9, Ishaq 2-8, Altaf 2-10) lost to Azizia Deccan 77-3 in 11.2 overs (Maqbool 26 not out, Altaf 19, Sulaiman 1-11). MOM: Altaf Khan. Classic Friends Puttur 158-9 (Ashraf 66, Adham 3-45, Azeem 3-25) beat The Prime XI 94-9 (Bathuza 33, Thousif 3-10). MOM: Ashraf. Bhakal XI 161-9 (Abbas 37, Yusuf 2-9) beat Hyderabad Royals 148-5 (Yusuf 65 not out, Shahin 2-13). MOM: Abbas. Gulfwest 118-6 (Imran 42, Tauqeer 1-9) beat City Fighters 114-8 (Ijaz 62, Nihar 4-13). MOM: Nihar. Polytoner CC 69 in 12.4 overs (Jawaid 21, Perumal 3-8) lost to Jeddah Cricket Kings 70-4 in 13.1 Overs (Tajudeen 26, Shakeel 3-7). MOM: Tajudeen.
