EPS Round 1 - Amar shines as Peaks down Dragons in a thriller

Lead by current National captain, Najeeb Amar, the Peaks snuck home in a thrilling match against the Dragons in round one of the inaugural Elite Player Series played at Kai Tak Cricket Ground.

Peaks skipper Waqas Barkat had no hesitation in choosing to bat first when winning the toss in perfect conditions for cricket. The Peaks where in trouble early when young quick Niaz Ali had Ankur Sharma playing on to his stumps when the score was on 11.

But then in came "Kathmandu Bar Player of the Round" Amar who blasted a brilliant 93 not out off just 34 balls, including 9 sixes and and 6 fours, as the Peaks team amassed 206-6 from their 20 overs. Amar was was well supported by Barkat who scored 48 from 35 balls, including six fours. A target of 207 was always going to be hard to chase, but the task was made harder when Dragons where penalised one over for a slow over rate and would only face 19 overs in which to chase down the runs.

Dragons' reply got off to a solid start as Nasir Hameed and Hussain Butt put on a 123 run partnership for the second wicket that kept the Dragons in the game. Butt's innings came to an end when he was bowled by Mustafa for 66, including 3 fours and 5 sixes. Nasir Hameed continued to flog the Peaks attack but he was dismissed in the final over for an impressive 91 off 54 balls which included 7 towering 6s. Unfourtunately for the Dragons, the one over penalty cost them dearly as they fell 2 runs short in a tense and exciting finish to the first day's play of the 2010 Elite Player Series.

Scorecard: EPS Round 1 - Peaks v. Dragons

Earlier in the day, Stormers took on Victory in a match reduced to 15 overs per side due to the ground being flooded by an overnight deluge that left one third of the ground under water. Victory Captain, Ilyas Gull decided to bat first with a wet outfield and an opportunity to put runs on the board.

A strong opening partnership from Tabarak (69 off 34 balls) and Imran (59 off 29 balls) saw the first wicket put on 79 runs in double quick time, despite Stormers' bowlers Haider and Kanthan swinging the ball in humid conditions. A 54 run second wicket partnership between Dar and Shivang (19 off 11 balls) saw the Victory score a very competitive 191 from their 15 overs.

The Stormers reply started well with 13 taken off Hasseb's first over but they failed to maintain their momentum and lost vital wickets against a well disciplined attack. Hong Kong Under-15 skipper, Anshuman Rath - the youngest player in the Series at only 13 - batted at number 3 with a maturity beyond his years with some lovely strokes before the experience of Ilyas Gull had him stumped for 15. KCC's Peter Wooden worked the ball around for 33 not out but his efforts weren't enough as the Stormers could only muster 109-4 from their 15 overs - well short of their target.

Scorecard: EPS Round 1 - Stormers v. Victory

Related Links: 2010 Elite Player Series