Shakib makes final, Tamim eliminated

Bangladesh's star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan had no impact on the game, but his side Kerala Kings became the first team to reach the final of the T10 Cricket League by defeating Maratha Arabians by five wickets in the first semifinal at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium yesterday.

But there was disappointment in the second semifinal for another Tiger as Tamim Iqbal's Pakhtoons were knocked out after suffering a nine-wicket defeat to the Punjabi Legends.

Tamim and Shakib have had contrasting showing in the tournament so far, and it may seem a little cruel that the left-hander who was doing better was the one to miss out.

Shakib scored just seven runs from four innings in his introduction to the game's newest format and it came to a head yesterday as Shakib, coming in at number five with four to win off eight deliveries, was run out without even facing a delivery.

He wasn't given a single over either, after failing to take a wicket in the tournament.

On the other hand Tamim had been enjoying himself out in the middle. He scored 81 runs in three games, including an unbeaten 56-run knock to power Pakhtoons home against the Bengal Tigers in the second match.

However, his performance yesterday left a lot to be desired. The southpaw picked up 17 from nine balls with two fours and a six before cutting a wide ball straight to the man at cover.