By Shahzad Raza
MUSCAT: Khalid Kail’s superb 49 off 39 and Muhammed Nadeem’s sensational 3 for 9 powered Ruwi Rangers to the D20 Cricket League crown with a thumping 8-run victory against Darsait Titans at Oman Cricket Rurf 1 in Amerat on Thursday.
Having lost its first three wickets for 43 in 6 overs, Ruwi’s innings was stabilised by a 65-run partnership between Kail and Wasim Ali (26 off 24), paving the way for its final total of 175 for 9. Mohammed Naseem Khushi provided the late impetus with a typically aggressive 22 off 8 including three huge sixes.
Oman all-rounders Khawar Ali and Ahmed Fayyaz Butt were the pick of Darsait bowlers, taking three wickets each.
With a rampaging Kaleemullah breathing down Darsait neck from the other end, Muhammed Nadeem was unplayable with a red hot cherry in hand. Darsait’s chase was over inside 12 overs as it limped to 47 for 8 before being all out for 95 five overs later. Jitenkumar Ramanandi and Mohit Patel bowled well too, taking three and two wickets respectively.
Brief Scores (D20): Ruwi Rangers 175 for 9 in 20 overs (Khalid Kail 49 – 1×4, 3×6, Wasim Ali 26 – 2×4, Mohammed Naseem 22 – 3×6. Khawar Ali 3-35, Ahmad Fayyaz 3-40) beat Darsait Titans 95 all out in 17.1 overs (Khurram Khan 34 – 2×4, 2×6. Muhammed Nadeem 3-9 Jitenkumar Ramanandi 3-23, Mohitdhirubhai Patel 2-29) by 80 runs.