Dubai: The Jan & Bros Bhatkal Premier League (BPL) cricket tournament featuring eight teams, held at Sharjah’s JMR ground, saw NCD Smashers, DVS United, Abu Dhabi Riders, and Rising Star advance to the semi-finals after winning two out of their three league matches. Meanwhile, Fab XI Warriors, Hanif Chargers, Luxury Zone, and Unique Strikers were eliminated from the tournament. Despite Fab XI also winning two out of three matches, their inferior net run rate prevented them from progressing to the semi-finals.
On the third Sunday of the tournament, Rising Star defeated Hanif Chargers, NCD Smashers triumphed over Unique Strikers, Abu Dhabi Riders clinched a close victory against Fab XI, and DVS United secured their semi-final spot by beating Luxury Zone.
Match Highlights
1st Match: Rising Star vs. Hanif Chargers
Batting first, Rising Star posted a massive total of 245 for six in 20 overs. The innings featured a blistering knock by Mohammad Ali Joshiddi, who smashed 87 runs off just 27 balls, hitting ten sixes and four fours. Numair Sauda contributed a vital 53 runs off 32 balls with three sixes and three fours, while Marwan Shanu scored a half-century (50 runs off 41 balls). Imran Khatib added 34 runs off just 14 balls, ensuring a formidable target for their opponents.
In reply, Hanif Chargers were bowled out for 218 runs in the 19th over, falling short by 27 runs. Zia Qazi's explosive 51 runs off 16 balls, Shamoun Shabandri's 54 off 34, and Abdul Baqi Kharuri's quickfire 47 off 18 balls made the match highly entertaining. At one stage, Hanif Chargers appeared to be in a winning position, needing just 29 runs from 14 balls. However, Murtuza Barmawar turned the game around by dismissing key players Shamaun Shabandri and Qasim in consecutive deliveries, sealing the victory for Rising Star.
2nd Match: NCD Smashers vs. Unique Strikers
NCD Smashers set a target of 229 runs for Unique Strikers, losing six wickets in the process. Ismail Khan's incredible century (113 runs off 57 balls, including ten sixes and six fours) powered the team, supported by Izhan Khatib's 49 off 34 balls.
Unique Strikers could only manage 169 runs before being bowled out in the 20th over. Notable contributions came from Nasheet Barmawar (46 runs off 39 balls), Mohtesim Jakti (44 runs off 22 balls with five sixes), and Ilyas Motia (36 runs off 19 balls). However, NCD's Abdul Haq Ikkeri's stellar bowling (4 wickets for 20 runs in 4 overs) ensured their victory by 60 runs.
3rd Match: Abu Dhabi Riders vs. Fab XI Warriors
Abu Dhabi Riders secured a thrilling nine-run victory over Fab XI. Batting first, the Riders scored 176 for seven, with Nabeel Khan (52 runs off 22 balls) and Uzair Barmawar (45 runs off 31 balls) leading the charge.
In response, Fab XI were all out for 167 runs. A nail-biting finish saw the Riders defend their target despite Fab XI needing only 27 runs from the last 17 balls with six wickets in hand. Abdul Hameed Gawai dismissed Afraz Ikkeri at a crucial moment, while Shahroz Sharif's tight bowling in the final over sealed the match.
4th Match: DVS United vs. Luxury Zone Challengers
In a one-sided encounter, DVS chased down Luxury Zone's total of 174 for seven with ease, achieving the target in just 14.1 overs with eight wickets in hand. DVS's Nauman Tahira shone with an unbeaten 84 off 41 balls, hitting four sixes and eleven fours.
The semi-finals are scheduled for next Sunday, January 19, and are expected to be highly exciting. The tournament will conclude with the final match on Sunday, January 26.