Villa Park opened 2011 campaign against resilient Gujju XI with a last over win; Haris Imtiaz (58 runs) named MOM |
It was a first official game for Villa Park at Dee Park against Gujju XI. Gijju XI won the toss and elected to bat first. Villa Park missing their captain Uzair Ali and 2 main fast bowlers Muhammad Ahmed and Ahmad Bakhshi took on the field with Qasim Khan from Windy City. Haris Imtiaz (0) and Qasim Khan (0) shared the new ball, while Urvish Desai (16) and Ajit Gaekwad (18) opened the batting. With the opening bowlers having no luck with the new ball, the 2 lethal weapons of Villa Park’s arsenal were brought to attack. Hassan Bakhshi (1) and Furqan Qureshi (2) right away shook the opening partnership of Gujju XI. One should not forget the direct hit run out from the acting captain Fawad Agha who was playing with an injury. Gujju XI scored 148 in 20 over with the loss of 4 wickets.
Villa Park who are well known for their batting collapse started the chase with Zeyad Imtiaz (4) and Arif Hockla (36). Zeyad was first to depart, Haris Imtiaz (58) who played a jam of an innings scored in every corner of the ground. Haris’s 50 came in mere 32 balls including 3 huge sixes, after Haris Imtiaz got out the curse hit the team and Villa Park lost Arif Hockla (36), Qasim Khan (13), Mujtaba Baqir (0), and Noyam Nasir (1) within few over’s. Now what looked like an easy chase turned into an exciting match, once again Hassan Bakhshi (30) showed his nerves of steel and finished the game for Villa Park. Villa Park won the game by 4 wickets with only 2 balls to spare, Haris Imtiaz was announced the Man of the Match for his brilliant match saving innings.
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