It hasn't taken long for Pakistan all-rounder Rao Anjum to make his mark.
He powered East Bierley into the semi-finals of the JCT600 Bradford League Dyson Insulations Twenty20 Cup, top-scoring with 40 as East Bierley in their 142.
But it was his devastating burst of 6-17 that sent holders Bradford & Bingley crashing out of the competition, being beaten by 22 runs Bingley didn’t help their cause by conceding 21 wides. Skipper Phil Slater was the worst culprit, being responsible for eight of them.
He was also his side’s most effective player, taking 4-35 and making their top score of 39 as they were bowled out for 120.
East Bierley are the only one of the last four teams to have previously reached the semi-finals.
They achieve the feat in the competition’s first year when they were defeated by Pudsey St Lawrence.
For Bradford & Bingley this is the first time they have failed to make the final.
They lost in 2009 and 2010, but beat Cleckheaton in 2011 to take the crown.
The semi-final line up sees East Bierley host Pudsey Congs and Woodlands entertain Division Two side Morley.
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