Khan keeps hopes alive

NOT THIS TIME: Clifton batsman Ichira Yahathugoda lives to fight another day despite an appeal from Crompton wicketkeeper Dane Fletcher,

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CROMPTON professional Zaman Khan powered his side into the semi-finals of the John Willie Lees Wood Cup with a three-wicket win over Clifton.

His diligent unbeaten 104 saw the Glebe Street side through to a last-four home clash with Rochdale and came on the back of a fine team bowling display that dismissed the visitors for 173.

The two sides had shared a run-fest only a week ago but after several days of rain, runs were always harder to come by.

However, Zaman never looked like getting out. The loss of regular Crompton wickets kept the visitors interested, but while the paid man was at the crease Crompton always held the upper hand and won with nearly six overs the spare.

He shared useful 57 and 50 partnerships for the third and fourth wickets with Chris Boschoff (18) and Simon Wright (20) and He scored 10 fours and two sixes on the way to a 109-ball century.

Captain Glenn Dawson was full of praise for his professional but was equally quick to point out that it had been a real team effort in the field.

They held on to all but one chance in the field — the pick of those being a well-judged catch at long mid-on from Majid Khan and a fine take at short third-man by Dawson that belied his years.

He also rotated his bowlers with similar dexterity as Zulfiqar (two for 33), Simon Wright (two for 41), Majid (one for 33), Ryan Maise (two for 27) and Zaman (two for 20) all took their turn at the crease.

Clifton were never allowed to build meaningful partnerships and were it not for Dave Wild’s unbeaten 41 from number six they might well have been trying to defend a total well under 150.

The only criticism of Crompton in the field was the number of extras — 33 in total — with too many wides and a sloppy last 10 overs that should have seen Clifton skittled for less.

Against stronger teams like Rochdale, the extra 20 or so could prove the difference between defeat and a place in the final.