Al-QASEEM: Azad XI, Paradise XI, Sialkot Stallions and Jaanbaz XI stormed into the semifinals of the AQCL Twenty20 Tournament sponsored by Saudi Cricket Center under the management of AQCL.

In the first quarterfinal, Azad XI defeated Daulia XI by 13 runs. Azad XI batted first piled up 171 for 8. Kashif Butt (28), Arab Hussain (24) and Sajjad Iqbal (21) were the scorers. Ateeque took 3 wickets. Daulia XI failed in the chase and were grounded for 158. Ateeque (43) and Sajid Cheema (25) did their best. Kashif Butt was the pick of the bowler with 4 wickets while Sajid Iqbal and Rashid took 3 each.

In the other quarterfinal, Paradise XI routed Tigers XI by 8 wickets. Tigers XI were bowled out for 106 runs. Zain (29), Aasad (17) and Jaleel (15) were the scorers. Jafer bagged 4 wickets while Arab had 2. Paradise XI replied with 108 for 2. Noor Ilahi contributed 41 and Jaafar 37.

In the third match, Sialkot Stallions humbled Pak Onaiza XI by 5 wickets. Pak Onaiza XI batted first posted 123 runs. Khawar (35), Imran (18) and Shahid (16) were the main contributors. Owais Ali bowled well to get 4 wickets while Meer had 3 and Mudassir Ali 2. Sialkot Stallions in reply achieved the victory target of 127 for 5 in the 14th over. Mubasher top-scored with 51. Ansar (29) and Shahid (18) were the other run-getters.

In the last match, Jaanbaaz XI trounced Lahore XI by 4 wickets. Lahore XI batted first and put up 170 runs. Zahid (31), Irfan (30) and Iftikhar (22) were the run getters. Afzal was the best bowler with 4 wickets. Jaanbaaz XI in response scored 176 for 6 in the 17th over. Aziz hammered 73 runs followed by Jibran’s quick-fire 50. Shahid took the 4 wickets.