Ali Murtaza produced a magical spell of slow bowling that helped Delhi Giants score a convincing six-wicket victory over Lahore Badshahs
Murtaza the star performer as Badshahs crash to third loss in five gamesGURGAON: Ali Murtaza produced a magical spell of slow bowling that helped Delhi Giants score a convincing six-wicket victory over Lahore Badshahs in their much-awaited clash under lights in the Indian Cricket League 20s Challenge at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium here on Sunday.
The left-arm spinner from Uttar Pradesh returned enviable figures of four for seven as the Giants coasted to their second win in five matches. It was the third loss in five matches for pre-tournament favourites Lahore Badshahs.
Murtaza, who has grown in stature by sheer dint of performances, gave yet another display of his artistry to restrict the Badshahs to 147 for five. The left-arm spinner took the pace off the ball and delivered with variation in the middle overs.
Murtaza, 18, who had played just four first-class matches for Uttar Pradesh before signing up for the ICL, has been one of the best bowlers through all editions of this championship.
He has been miserly and also taken wickets at vital junctures, just the kind of player needed at the international level.
His first wicket was that of Imran Farhat, who tried to loft him for a six but was caught by Shane Bond at long-on. The Badshahs were 38 for two at that stage but were pegged back further by Murtaza as he dismissed Humayun Farhat, Shahid Yousuf and Inzamam-ul Haq in quick succession, all three decisions needing help from the TV umpire.
Azhar Mahmood, however, took control of the situation, displaying the professional attitude that has seen him taste success in English county over the years. The former Pakistan all-rounder struck 67 off 39 deliveries with five fours and as many sixes, his unbroken stand of 84 with Khalid Mahmood (20) putting them in a fighting position. Azhar came down severely on seamers T. Sudhindra and JP Yadav, who went for 52 and 45 runs, respectively.
As it turned out, the target proved inadequate with left-handed Syed Abbas Ali striking a fine 52 off 46 balls with four fours and a six. Abbas, grandson of Syed Mushtaq Ali, added 80 for the third wicket with Abhinav Bali.
ScorecardLahore Badshahs : I Nazir st Nixon b Sudhindra 12, I Farhat c Bond b Murtaza 16, H Farhat st Nixon b Murtaza 7, S Yousuf lbw Murtaza 2, I Haq lbw Murtaza 12, A Mahmood not out 67, K Mahmood not out 20; Extras: (b-1, lb-2, w-5, nb-3) 11; Total (5 wkts; 20 ovs) 147; Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-38, 3-42, 4-43, 5-63; Bowling: Bond 4-0-22-0, Sudhindra 4-0-52-1, Nabi 4-0-18-0, Murtaza 4-0-7-4, JP Yadav 4-0-45-0
Delhi Giants: M Atapattu c A Mahmood b Naved-ul-Hasan 4, M Mishra c K Mahmood b A Mahmood 7, D Mahajan b S Nazir 19, S Abbas Ali st K Mahmood b Inzamam-ul-Haq 52, A Bali not out 47, P Nixon not out 4
Extras: (lb-4, w-6, nb-5) 15; Total: 148 for 4 in 18.3 overs (8.00 runs per over); FoW: 1-13 (Atapattu, 1.3 ov), 2-23 (Mishra, 2.1 ov), 3-52 (Mahajan, 5.2 ov), 4-132 (Abbas Ali, 16.3 ov); Bowling: A Mahmood 3-0-24-1, Naved-ul-Hasan 3-0-28-1 (2nb, 1w), S Nazir 4-0-17-1, S Mushtaq 4-0-33-0 8.25, T Mughal 1-0-12-0 (1nb), I Nazir 1-0-8-0, Inzamam-ul-Haq 2.3-0-22-1
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