JEDDAH — IDB, Pepsi Alliance, Lothers and Indomie Dragons entered the semifinals of the IDB Super League 2017 at IDB ground here recently. IDB pulled off an exciting 23-run win over Young Star in the first quarterfinal match. Batting first, IDB scored 105-7 in the allotted 10 overs. Muzaffar 39 (21 balls) and Mazher 21(9) were the main scorers for IDB. Abdul Rehman took 2-14 and Furqan Altaf 2-16. Young Star, in reply, was bundled out for a paltry 73 with Rafaqat and Amir Siddique scoring 18 each. Mazher was the pick of the IDB bowlers taking 4-12 in his 3 overs. Mazher was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round performance of 21 runs and 4 wickets. In the second quarterfinal, Pepsi Alliance won a thrilling match by 6 runs against Arcoma Crown. Batting first, Pepsi Alliance put on 130-5 through Humayun (43), Owais (31) and Rahil (25). Safayir took 3 wickets. Chasing 131, Arcoma Crown fell short by 6 runs in a nail-biting finish. Safayir (27) and Rukshan (27) were the main scorers for Arcoma Crown. Israr was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets for just 10 runs. He and was declared the Man of the Match. In the next match, Lothers registered their semifinal berth as they beat Etihad Airways by 49 runs. Batting first, Lothers posted 148-6, thanks to a scintillating knock of 79 off 26 balls by Abdul Wahid. Ahmed Rizvi contributed 19. Hanif picked up 2 wickets for Etihad Airways. Chasing 149, Etihad Airways was restricted to 99-8. Wahab was the only batsman to resist with an unbeaten 32. Samiullah, Shehroz and Asif took two wickets each. Abdul Wahid was named the Man of the Match for 79 runs. In the last quarterfinal, Indomie Dragons had the last laugh against Kerry Packers. Kerry Packers, electing to bat first, were bowled out for a meager 68 with Zahed top scoring with 32. Aftab was the pick of the bowlers as he took 4-19. He was well supported by Ali (3-12). Chasing 69, Indomie Dragons were home in just 4.5 overs with Bilal and Mazher remaining unbeaten on 21 and 19, respectively. Aftab was named the Man of the Match for his 4-19. Brief Scores: IDB 105-7 (Muzaffar 39 (21), Mazher 21 (9); Abdul Rehman 2-14, Furqan 2-16). Young Star 73 all out in 8.2 overs (Rafaqat 18 (13), Amir Siddique 18 (11); Mazher 4-12, Shabbir 3-10). Man of the Match: Mazher. Pepsi Alliance 130-5 (Humayun 43 (12), Owais 31 (17), Rahil 25 (19); Safayir 3-27). Arcoma Crown 124-9 (Safayir 27 (11), Rukshan 27 (17); Israr 3-10, Sohail 2-17). Man of the Match: Israr Lothers 148-6 (Abdul Wahid 79 (26), Ahmed Rizvi 19 (11); Hanif 2-8). Etihad Airways 99-8 (Wahab 32 n.o. (16); Samiullah 2-2, Shehroz 2-18, Asif 2-20). Man of the Match: Abdul Wahid Kerry Packers 68 all out (Zahed 32 (17); Aftab 4-19, Ali 3-12) lost to Indomie Dragons 69-1 in 4.5 overs (Bilal 21 n.o.(9), Mazher Abbasi 19 n.o. (11); Iftikhar 1-20). Man of the Match: Aftab.
