Faisal Waqar JEDDAH — The UPL Elaf Super-7 2015, sponsored by Elaf Jeddah Hotel and organized by United Premier League (UPL), has reached quarterfinal stage. The first match of the night between Elaf Blue and TechYorker Red was a do-or-die game for both teams. However, it was Elaf Blue which held its nerve to earn a convincing win and a quarterfinal spot. Batting first, Elaf Blue amassed a massive score of 88. Nepuna was the chief scorer 40 (20 balls). In response, TechYorker Red broke down under pressure and managed only 32. Al Max-2 was torn apart by Young Stars and lost by 72 runs. Put into bat, Young Stars batsmen piled up 102-1, registering the highest score of the tournament. Amir and Aftab hammered 30 (14) and 31 (10), respectively, and Ali Nawaz's little cameo of 22 (6) catapulted the team to 102. Al Max-2, demoralized by its ordinary bowling effort, didn't put up much of a fight and ended with a disappointing score of 30. The third match of the night was another knockout game between Lothers Green and seasoned Rising Star. Rising Star, electing to bowl, restricted the rival to 60. Ahsaan's 24 (11) was the only mentionable score. Imran and Waqas picked up 1 wicket each. Masood started the chase briskly and never allowed the bowlers to pile up any pressure. His belligerent knock of 25 (10) granted Rising Star a convincing win and a berth in the quarters. Favorite Elaf Gold had to play out of its skins to counter the highly impressive Niagra Lothers in a must-win game. Batting first, Elaf Gold was under pressure early when it lost openers Qammar and Amjad for 11. Shahid 12 (11) and Adnan 20 (11) stood firm to take the total to 47. Lothers Green started the chase cautiously but lost its way when the first wicket fell at 28. Rest of the batsmen crumbled under persistent pressure exerted by Elaf Gold's bowling and in the end fell short by 12 runs. Elaf Red stormed into the quarters by beating Srilankan Titans. Elaf Red, batting first, set a target of 68. Kashif played a breathtaking innings of 33 (11) that consisted of 4 sixes. Irfan bowled well for 2 wickets, giving away only 7 runs. In response, Titans lost its premier batsman Zawahir for 0 and only Rismy put up some resistance by scoring 27 (18). Titans reached 48 and lost by 20 runs. Last match of the night was won comfortably by Target Guys when it beat TechYorker Gray. Target Guys set an imposing target of 87 with Raheem scoring a quick 23 (12). Sattar and Zahid contributed with 15 (13) and 16 (7), respectively. In return, Adeel played a spirited innings of 26 (10) but didn't get much support from other batsmen. TechYorker Gray managed to score 66 and lost by 21 runs.
