Haider century lifts Abu Dhabi Gymkhana

Irfan Haider stroked a solid century to steer William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana to a huge 143-run victory over Interface Transworld CC in the 38th Bukhatir League ‘A’ Division Tournament, organised by the Sharjah Cricket Council, at the Sharjah stadium on Saturday night. The talented batsmen hit 106 off 120 balls with six fours and two sixes as the defending champions, batting first, scored 301 for seven in the allotted 50 overs. Mohammed Faisal (62 off 47 balls with seven fours) and Asim Khurshid (40 off 56 balls) and Mohammed Shafiq (26 off 27 balls) also contributed to their massive total. Mohammed Ibtisham snared four for 56. Interface Transworld, in reply, were bowled out for 158 in the 35th over with Adeel Raja doing most of the damage, taking four for 26. Mohammed Nadeed (three for 11) and Humayun Gill (two for 21) further hastened the end of the Interface inning with some fine bowling. Adnan Arif (39), Fawad Ghafoor (30) and Fahad Tariq (28) were among the runs for Interface. Brief scores: William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana CC beat Interface Transworld CC by 143 runs: William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana CC 301 for 7 (Irfan Haider 106, Mohammed Faisal 62, Asim Khurshid 40, Mohammed Shafiq 26; Mohammed Ibtisham 4-56, Wasim Bari 2-45) Interface Transworld 158 all out in 34.2  overs (Adnan Arif 39, Fawad Ghafoor 30, Fahad Tariq 28; Adeel Raja 4-26, Mohammed Nadeem 3-11, Humayun Gill 2-21). Man of the match: Irfan Haider of William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana. Umpires: Iftikhar Ali and Hamid Mukthar. Scorer: Zameel Hameed.