Hashir scores a quick 53 while Hitesh takes a fifer to steer Islam Gymkhana to a win in the Quarter-finals of the Salar Jung Tournament

It was a great match between Islam Gymkhana & Young Friend Cricket Club at Islam Gymkhana ground in Mumbai. Quarter-finals are always neck to neck matches full of pressure but Islam Gymkhana completely owned the match as it appeared like a one sided affair between both the sides.

Islam Gymkhana won the toss on a neutral track and elected to bowl first since they have a good bowling line up to restrict the opposition to a low total. Their decision of bowling first did reap dividends as Young C.C were all out for 129/10 in mere 18.4 overs. Wajid Ali was the only leading scorer for Young C.C as he scored a fighting 36 off 40balls. Left-arm off spinner Hitesh Kadam who has also played Ranji showed his mettle with the ball as he scalped a fifer dismantling the opposition. Hitesh was quite effective & bowled in the right areas as he came up with bowling figures of 5/20 in his 4 overs. Left-arm fast bowler Danish Rainee also bowled well as he took 2wkts for 21runs in his 4 overs.

Chasing 130 was a mere formality for a strong batting line up of Islam Gymkhana as they comfortably won the match by 7wkts & 4.1 overs to spare. The in-form & stylish Hashir Dafedar once again made his bat talk & do most of the business as he scored a blazing 53 at no.3 coming off just 26balls. As Hashir shared with Cricketgraph ‘He was having a backpain before entering this match so he dealt most of the runs in boundaries & avoided excessive running between the wickets’ Well statements like these speak a lot about his confidence & the zone which he is in right now. Sanket & Mehboob finished the man chase  remaining unbeaten on 23* & 10* respectively.

Islam Gymkhana sealed their semis berth with this win & it was an excellent perfomance by the Islam Gymkhana Boys & especially Hashir and Hitesh. Looking at the current form of Islam Gymkhaan boys, they certainly look favorites to win the tournament!