Dubai: Maalik Damda's blistering century, which turned a losing game into a dramatic victory, provided thrilling entertainment to cricket fans in the fourth league match of the tournament played on the second Sunday. His extraordinary performance showcased how cricket can shift momentum like a chameleon in its final moments.
The second Sunday of the Jan & Bros Bhatkal Premier League (BPL) T20 Cricket Tournament witnessed spectacular performances as DVS United, Rising Stars, Hanif Chargers, and Fab XI secured impressive victories in their respective matches.
Held at the JMR Ground in Sharjah, about 65 km from Dubai, under a chilly temperature of 14 to 15 degrees Celsius, the matches captivated cricket enthusiasts. While DVS United and Rising Stars dominated the first two games, Hanif Chargers and Fab XI displayed exceptional chasing skills in the later matches.
The highlight of the day was the match between Fab XI Warriors and Luxury Zone Challengers. Batting first, Luxury Zone posted a formidable 197/6 in their 20 overs. In response, Fab XI stumbled early, losing six wickets for just 55 runs in 9 overs.
At this critical juncture, Maalik Damda partnered with Aslam Jukaku to engineer a breathtaking comeback. Maalik smashed an unbeaten 133 runs off 63 balls, including 5 sixes and 12 fours, while sharing a 146-run partnership with Aslam. Their heroics helped Fab XI clinch an incredible victory, dashing Luxury Zone’s hopes.
Other Match Highlights
- In the first match, DVS United defeated Abu Dhabi Riders by 28 runs, scoring 194/8, with Nauman Tahira’s quickfire 54 leading the charge. Abu Dhabi Riders managed only 166 runs in reply.
- The second match saw Rising Stars set a massive target of 208/5 against Unique Strikers, with standout contributions from Mohammed Ali Jushiddi (58 runs). Unique Strikers fell short at 176, handing Rising Stars a 35-run victory.
- In the third game, NCD Smashers were bowled out for 124 runs. Hanif Chargers comfortably chased the target, scoring 128/5 to secure a 5-wicket win.
The day ended with cricket fans witnessing thrilling games, proving once again the unpredictability and excitement of the sport.