Asia XI defeated Natest CC by 178 runs in the Saudi Readymix Knockout Tournament which is being organized by Eastern Province Cricket Association (EPCA) here. Asia Eleven batted first and scored 261-9 in the allotted 40 overs. Khalid and Shafiq, who opened the innings, put on 114 runs. Shafiq who fell short of 2 runs for his century hit 5 sixes. Khalid was run out for 44. Asif scored an unbeaten half century to put Asia XI in good position. Ali bowled well and took 3 wickets. Ghulam Murtuza took 2 wickets for Natest C C. In reply, Asia XI bowlers bowled well and bundled out Natest for 83 in 20 overs. Bilal Shah was the highest scorer with 30. Shafiq took 3-28, Azam and Ishaq took 2 wickets each. In another match, Suzuki defeated Khalifa Al-Gosaibi by 37 runs and remained unbeaten in this tournament. Gosaibi won the toss and invited Suzuki to bat. Suzuki aggregated 345 as Kashif scored another classic century (149) with 16 fours and 6 sixes. Bilal scored 45 and Imran contributed a quick 49 from 29 balls. Amin Saifullah bowled well and took 4 wickets. In reply, Gosaibi chased the total bravely and managed to reach 308-7. Amin Saifullah scored a quick 55, Shyam Khan made 55 and Khaja hit 34. Faizan Shabandari scored a breezy unbeaten half century. Faisal took 3 wickets and Owais bagged 2 for Suzuki. ADPCO defeated Royal Kashmir by 5 wickets. Opting to bat first Royal Kashmir made 208. Ashfaq scored 40. Feroz and Ejaz made 34 and 32 runs respectively. Unni Krishnan bagged 4 wickets and Sohrab took 2. ADPCO chased the total successfully and reached the target in 34 overs for the loss of 5 wickets, with the help of a scintillating knock of 78 by Sayed Amin. Samad remained not out on 52. Ejaz took 2 wickets for Royal Kashmir. EPCA will be organizing Twenty20 Tournament from the first week of May. Entries for new clubs and others close on May 21. __
