JEDDAH — UPL Elite Cup 2014 moved into its third week as teams clashed to gain supremacy in front of a sizable crowd. This eight-over blast is organized by United Premier League. Kerala Strikers won their first game in UPL by beating Tech Yorkers. Taking the strike first, Kerala Strikers batsmen Bilal and Ehsan went wild against the bowling of Tech Yorker. Bilal dominated with 31, while Ehsan and Osman contributed 28 and 22, respectively, setting a target of 99. Wasim claimed 2-23 and Naveed 1-16. In reply, Tech Yorker could manage only 52-5. Praveen scored 18 to redeem some honor against the disciplined bowling of Aamir (2-3) and Bilal (2-15). The second encounter was a thriller as ATS clinched victory by one run against Al Max. ATS, batting first, played cautiously to score just 52. Zubair (15) and Waqas (15) added valuable runs. Azhar, who claimed 3 wickets for 7 runs, was virtually unplayable. The combative ATS then fought hard to restrict Al Max to 51. Zubair was the slayer with a match-clinching haul of 4 for 8. Fazlan and Aamir scored 15 and 13, respectively. In the third match, Elaf Cricket Club defeated Jeddah Indians by 8 wickets. Aamir of JICC scored 35 to put up a respectable total of 60 on the board. Abdul Waheed supported him with a fluent 16. Kashif Shafiq, showcasing his all-round ability, first claimed 2 wickets and then hammered 34 not out to lead Elaf to a comfortable victory in 5 overs. Qamar contributed 16. Lothers registered another narrow win over Challengers in the fourth match. Farhat (24) and Sahil Butt (20) guided Lothers to 76. Abdul and Sanam claimed 1 wicket each. Challengers then fell short in their run chase despite a fine effort from Feroz (26). Nadeem (14) and Badru (16) were the other run getters. Irfan, with figures of 3 for 19, was the pick of the Lothers attack. In the last combat, IOE went through a ruthless time as Rising Stars first put on 110 and then bowled out IOE for 69. Tanveer, hammering 26 in 8 deliveries, was the key to a big total which was shared by Asila 21. Sheham claimed 2-10 and Waqas 1-16. Chasing the big total looked easier when Hassan (30) was at the crease with Saleem (15), but the introduction of Tanveer (3-9) and Qaisar (3-10) completely destroyed IOE batting lineup, leaving it stranded at 69 for 8.
