Mustangs beat Kazepis in exciting semi final

The first semi final of the autumn 40-over league took place on Sunday at Happy Valley. Mustangs won the toss and chose to field first in what promised to be another closely fought game between these keen rivals.

As so often this season, Kazepis got off to a terrible start, losing 4 wickets in the first 6 overs, with Happy claiming 3 wickets for 4 runs in his 4 overs, and Fahad troubling the batsmen with his pace.

Usman(45)  battled hard to turn the tide, mixing watchful defence with some powerful sixes, and his partnership with Baber (22) started to give Kazepis hope. Bebek took three important wickets, as well as fielding well in the deep, and the only other batsman to prosper was Shahid who scored 45 not out at number 9.

Dogar bowled well for his two wickets and Rupinder, after suffering several missed chances, took the last wicket as Kazepis were all out for 160.

The start of the Mustangs innings was highly entertaining as Shafaqat and Baber bowled with spirit while Happy for a time batted like a prince before missing a slower ball. Just when Kazepis seemed on the point of breaking through, an excellent partnership of 58 between Aftab and Vimel put Mustangs in a strong position.

Captain Shahid then removed Vimel for 26 and Rehman for 15, and Shafaqat followed this up with three wickets in three balls (one a run out) to swing the balance in favour of Kazepis.

Fortunately for Mustangs Aftab was still there, batting sensibly but also punishing the bad ball. He was joined by Fahad who turned the game dramatically with four sixes in an over, after which the pair were able to see Mustangs home comfortably with three wickets in hand.

A terrific game of cricket, and Mustangs will surely go into the final on 29 November as favourites,