Kazepis ensured their qualification for the semi-final stage of the 40-over competition by overcoming Moufflons in a tight encounter by two wickets.
Before the game Moufflons knew that they had to win or, if they lost, take at least 10 bonus points to keep their chances of reaching the semi-finals alive. So they chose to bat first, with the aim of batting through their overs and securing batting points, while also setting a winning score in the match.
Unfortunately the discipline of their batsmen did not match up to the team’s requirements. The two leading batsmen, Murtaza and Muhammad, made starts and looked set for big scores, but both fell to catches from mistimed shots, for 37 and 27 respectively. Uddin and Richard occupied the crease for a while, but the remaining batsmen perished quickly.
Manan was the chief destroyer with 5 for 37, well supported by newcomer Babar who took 3 for 25. The all-out score of 143 from 32 overs was not enough in terms of bonus points, so Moufflons’ only hope was to win the match outright by bowling Kazepis out.
Legspinner Sohel opened the bowling and caused the batsmen problems, taking 3 for 26. Debutant Mahboob impressed with his left arm medium pace and removed two top-order batsmen for 27. Captain Muhammad bowled some testing offspin, taking 2 for 38. Despite 27 from Fahem and 25 by Sanjeev, the game was going Moufflons’ way, until Asif entered at number 8 to play a superb innings, mixing aggression with sensible play and scoring a vital 37.
When he was finally dismissed only 16 runs were needed, and Manan and Babar calmly saw Kazepis through to victory.
Kazepis will play Mustangs in the semi final on 15 November, while the other semi will be between Amdocs and Fellows on 22 November, both games at Happy Valley.