Saliheen wins thriller to enter semis; IBS stuns Hyderabad Green

Saliheen edged past Desert Warriors by 8 runs to enter the semifinals of the Jotun Cup cricket organized by the Jeddah Cricket Association.
In the other quarterfinal matches, IBS surprised unbeaten Hyderabad Green by 57 runs, Butt Sports got the better of MHA by 39 runs and Reel & Rom lost to Khulais by 5 wickets.
Faisal was the star of the day for Saliheen his 78 proved crucial in a score of 228 for 7 after batting first. His 111-run stand with Sabir (38) proved to be match winner. Later, useful contributions from Tabassum (44), Umar’s (20), Nasir (15) and Naseer (17) propped up the innings to give their team a fighting chance. Kumar and Basil bagged 2 wickets each for the bowling side.
Desert Warriors were given a good start of 54 runs by Masiullah (28) and Razi (30). Aziz (59) and A Quddus (39) kept their team in contention. But after their departure the required run rate began to climb, which the lower order batsmen failed to maintain and were out for 220 in their run chase. Nasir took 2 wickets while Faisal and Imran had a wicket each.
In the other match, Butt Sports eased past MHA by 39 runs. Butt Sports batted first and scored 211 for 8. Zia (55) and Abdul Rahman (74) added 136 runs for the 3rd wicket. Zia made 55. Aijaz later scored a quick 20 runs. Atta Ur Rahman did most of the damage and impressed with his bowling as he bagged 4 for 27.
In reply MHA were bowled out for 172 runs. Shad (45) and Khalid (54) laid a solid foundation by putting up 106 runs for the opening wicket. Usman scored 23. All the other batsmen failed to carry on the good work done by the openers.
Atif, Abdul Rahman and Junaid claimed 2 wickets each.
Later, IBS batted first and scored 210 for 7. Nisar (35), Zia (38), Shoaib (36), Sohail (22) and Waris (25) were the main run getters. Adeel bagged 2 for 25.
Favorites Hyderabad Green were bundled out for 153. Green Rayees (51) and Jaffar (31) did their best. None of the other batsmen reached double figures. Zia, Qaisar, and Mohsin claimed 2 wickets.
The match between Reel & Rom and Al Khulais X1 was a high scoring one. Reel & Rom piled up 233 runs in their allotted overs. However, Al Khulais X1 reached their target with 4 balls to spare and 5 wickets in hand. For Al Khulais, Akmal was in an aggressive mood and hammered 76 runs, Aslam got 53. Javed scored 39 runs.
Al Khulais were home in the last over. Frankie, Muneer, Yaqoob and Nisar shared the wickets.