Ayub, Pervaiz and Hafiz Kaleem all struck brilliant half centuries as Phoenix Medicine recorded a convincing seven-wicket victory over Alubond Tigers in the Sharjah Invitational T20 tournament at Al Dhaid Cricket Village.
Chasing a challenging 183 to win, Phoenix opener Kaleem provided a brisk start, scoring 52 from 30 balls with the help of four boundaries and five sixes.
With three wickets down, Phoenix Medicine still needed over 100 runs in just 10 overs. But Ayub and Pervaiz shared an unbroken 106-run partnership for the fourth wicket as they surpassed the target in the 17th over.
Earlier, winning the toss and opting to bat first, Alubond Tigers lost a wicket early but Shakoor and Zeshan Bangesh shared a 88-run partnership for the second wicket.
Shakoor only played 27 deliveries on his way to scoring a gritty 53 with the help of six boundaries and three sixes while Bangesh scored 46 from 34 balls with the aid of six fours and two sixes.
Asif and Rehan struck at crucial junctures to put the brakes on the run flow as they shared five wickets between them.
But Hassan Raza (20, 17b, 2×4) and Umair (41 not out, 26b, 2×4, 3×6) unleashed to ensure Alubond Tigers piled on 182 for seven in 20 overs, but it still wasn't enough for the win.
