Faisal Waqar JEDDAH — Elaf Super-7, organized by United Premier League (UPL), blasted off with all 16 participating teams featuring in the short and highly explosive five over-a-side version of softball cricket here. The opening match of the tournament saw newcomer Young Star fighting it out successfully against Lothers Green. Young Star piled up a massive score of 94 runs owing to blistering knocks of 36 (15 balls) and 34 (11) by Afthab and Rifaqat, respectively. Lothers Green was stung early in its innings by Qaisar's spell of 2 for 4 and could manage only 59 in response. Waheed-XI stunned Elaf Gold by registering a thrilling two-run win in the second match. Batting first, Waheed-XI set a target of 72, thanks to the last over blitz by Zubair, who scored 18 off just 4 deliveries. Adnan tried his best to push Elaf Gold over the line with his 32 (17) but in the end fell painstakingly short by 2 runs. The third match was a one-sided affair between Elaf Red and TechYorker Grey. Batting first, Tech Yorker Grey had no answer to Abu Huraira and Waheed's lightning pace. They set a measly total of 27 which was overcome in 1.1 overs by Elaf Red with Anvar scoring 22 (6). Al Max-1 lost to Lothers Niagra by 3 wickets in the fourth match. Quraishi 23 (11) was the main scorer for Al Max-1 and his spell of 2 for 11 threatened Lothers' chase early on. However, Sherjeel's 24 (12) ensured a win for Lothers Green without any further blemishes. Al Max-2 earned a win after it came up with a solid performance against Rising Stars. Batting first, Rising Stars labored their way to 64 with contributions from Masood 21 (11) and Waqas 19 (11). Akram bagged 2 for 12. In reply, Azhar of Al Max-2 scored 31 (14) with Imran chipping in with 17 (11) to reach the target in 4.3 overs. The sixth encounter was between Sri Lankan Titans and UPL giant Target Guys, which the former managed to win by 3 runs. Titans set a formidable total of 74 as dependable Zawahir scored 31 (15). In return, Target got within touching distance of the total but couldn't get over the line. Yasser 20 (11) and Raheem 18 (9) were the main scorers in the losing cause. Tech Yorker Red scored a thumping win against JICC in the seventh game. Batting first, JICC found it really difficult to score against a disciplined bowling and could only muster only 46. Tech Yorker Red chased the target without any hiccups in 4.1 overs with openers Inzaam and Adnan scoring 27 (12) and 15 (7), respectively. The last match saw the famed Kerry Packers thrashing Elaf Blue by 35 runs. Samiullah played brilliantly for his 37 (17). Chasing a target of 67, Elaf Blue's batsmen never got going with Zar Khan causing the main damage by taking 2 for 6. Samiullah was useful with the ball grabbing 1 for 3. In the end, Elaf Blue finished at 32, losing 4 wickets.
