Arafat shines with bat and ball as Sharks maintain unbeaten record

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Lahore, 12 October 2022: All-rounder Arafat Minhas produced his second player of the match award winning performance to spearhead a comfortable 44-run win for Gwadar Sharks against Gujranwala Giants in the ninth match of the Pakistan Junior League at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday night.

The Sharks have now jumped to the top of the six-team table courtesy a 100 percent win record (three wins from as many matches), Giants on the other hand are facing an early elimination with today’s defeat, their third in as many matches.

After top-scoring for his side with 37, Arafat produced a sensational spell of left-arm-spin to run through the Giants batting line-up.  It was Arafat’s innings that took his side to a competitive total (131) after they were asked to bat first.

The Giants had a slow start to their 132-run chase. Openers Hasnain Majid (10) and Hamza Nawaz (5) were dismissed cheaply inside the first five overs. The asking rate kept climbing as some accurate bowling and dazzling fielding by the Sharks stifled the Giants. 

Captain Uzair Mumtaz (9) was the third batter to return to the dugout, the right-hander was brilliantly caught at long-off by Saad Masood with Momin Qamar the successful bowler. Momin then accounted for Mohammad Waqas (1) while Tom Aspinwall (1) was bamboozled by a sharp googly by Saad. Aspinwall’s dismissal left Giants tottering at 49 for five in 10.1 overs.

Matthew Tromp – appearing in his first match of the tournament was bowled by Arafat for 14.

The left-arm-spinner then made three more breakthroughs in what turned out to be a match winning spell. He dismissed Ali Asfand (8), the Giants batting mainstay Shevon Daniel (28 off 26 balls, five fours) and Hassan Ali Jnr (0) to leave the Giants in absolute disarray at 86 for nine in the 15^th over.

The Giants were put out of their misery in the next over when Saad bowled another googly to castle Saqlain Nawaz (0). Giants were bowled out for 87 with 26 balls left unused.

Earlier, Giants won the toss and opted to bowl first. The bowlers backed their captain decision by delivering regular strikes. Uzair’s opposite number Shamyl Hussain (3) was the first one to fall, pacer Mohammad Ibtisam rattled his leg-stump. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Zulkifal (6) was sent packing by Ali Asfand as the Sharks slopped to 30 for two inside the first five overs.

Opener Luc Benkenstein played some impressive shots in his 26 (20 balls, five fours) before succumbing to Hassan’s off-spin. Arafat Minhas top-scored with 37 off 30 balls (one four, one six).

The Sharks batters failed to get going in the mid innings and death overs and lost wickets at regular intervals to finish on a below par 131 all out with the last wicket falling on the final ball of the 20^th over.

Ibtisam and Hassan took two wickets apiece, Tromp and Aspinwall grabbed a wicket each.

Scores in brief

Match 9- Gwadar Sharks beat Gujranwala Giants by 44 runs

Gwadar Sharks 131 all out, 20 overs (Arafat Minhas 37, Luc Benkenstein 26; Mohammad Ibtisam 2-21, Hassan Ali Jnr 2-25)

Gujranwala Giants 87 all out, 15.4 overs (Shevon Daniel 28; Arafat Minhas 4-13, Momin Qamar 2-21, Saad Masood 2-23)

Player of the match: Arafat Minhas (Gwadar Sharks)

Thursday’s fixtures: Mardan Warriors vs Hyderabad Hunters (6pm)

Points Table of Pakistan Junior League 2022