Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Dec 19: Dubai’s Yogi Group lifted the prestigious Gulf Super Sixes trophy beating Fly Emirates in the finals at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday December 16 by 6 wickets in great style.
Yogi started the day when they got Sri Lankan spinner Muralitharan to play for them although he had to leave after the first game. But there was clear indication that they were serious challengers to win the Gulf Super Sixes in their performances when skipper Avadoot Amonkar marshalled his side in winning fashion.
Playing a keen Fly Emirates squad captained by UAE player Ahmed Amjad, Yogi bowlers kept the Fly Emirates batsmen in control and the final score of 49 runs in the allotted 5 overs proved to be a bit too little. Despite a late strike by Shaheer Riyal with 3 sixes in his total of 19 runs, Fly Emirates struggled to post a respectable total. Usman Mustaq chipped in with 13 runs with a single and a six.
For Yogi, Lance Kluesner who replaced Muralitharan got one wicket while Ajmal Mohammed and Ayub Inayat also took a wicket each.
In reply, the Yogi openers Swapnil Patil and Shimon Butt never looked back and scored at will. Such was their power hitting that both notched up 3 sixes each while racing past the total within 2.5 overs. Swapnil (26 not out) and Shaiman (21 not out) were a joy to watch with their batting with the Fly Emirates bowlers having no clue whatsoever. One drop batsman Lance Kluesner who was padded up to bat next did not get a chance to show his batting class although he had showed his talent in an earlier match with his solid hitting.
It was a well deserved win for Yogi who had earlier beaten Fly Kingfisher in the quarter finals and Afridi Transport in the semi finals. Fly Emirates too played top cricket when they beat Al Faraa Group in the quarters and then went on to down last year’s finalist Seven Seas Strikers in the semi finals earlier. Interestingly, last year’s finalist Seven Seas Strikers beat last year’s winners Lloyds Bank TSB in the quarter finals earlier. Another team Eurocon fell to Afridi Transport in the quarter finals.
The Gulf Super Sixes in its second year had 48 teams taking part with some of the top international cricketers playing. With 8 international stars including brand ambassador Wasim Akram, Lance Klusener, Muthiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Nayan Mongia, Maninder Singh, Imran Nazir and Vinod Kambli turning out for the 8 teams in the quarter finals, the crowd had a feast of excitement. Sanath Jayasuriya especially played a great innings in the quarter finals for Eurocon while hammering 38 runs with 2 fours and 3 sixes against Afridi Transport although his side lost. Looking fitter than ever, Jayasuriya was indeed a pleasure to watch when he batted. Even Wasim Akram showed his bowling skills while assisting Fly Emirates in their matches. Lance Kluesner also was in great form with some big hits while batting.
Dubai’s veteran events organizer, Denzil Fernandes was the tournament manager of the Gulf Super Sixes for the second year in succession.
Just like the famous Hong Kong Sixes, Gulf Super Sixes now stands to gain more fame and name with such splendid organization and arrangements that have been appreciated even by the international cricketers who took part in the tournament.
Final awards: Winner Yogi Group. Runner up Fly Emirates. Man of the series: Swapnil Patil of Yogi Group. Best Batsman: Shaiman Butt of Yogi Group. Best Bowler: Azam of Eurocon. Best Fielder: Daniel from neutral fielding squad.
Gulf Oil were the Main Sponsors in association with the Landmark Group.