Defending champions Danube Lions, SFS, Oxford Marine and DBMSC progressed to the semi-finals of the Summer Indoor Tournament at the Dubai Sport City’s ICC Academy.

Two-time champion side Pacific Ventures suffered a shock 18-run defeat to Oxford Marine in their quarter-final match. Danube Lions are the title favourites after securing a semis spot thanks to a crushing 64-run win over the Old Monks.

Danube batted first and scored 82 before taking eight Old Monks wickets, restricting them to 18 in reply.

In another quarter-final clash, SFS smashed 90 in their allotted 12 overs against Maimoon Cricket Club and secured an 86-run victory. DBMSC completed the semi-final line-up with a 33-run win over Leo Shipping.

In the last quarter-final match, DBMSC scored 63 and Leo Shipping looked on course to seal victory after reaching 42 with three overs remaining. But the loss of four quick wickets resulted in a final score of 30.

A total of 16 teams were divided into four pools with the top two sides in each group progressing to the quarter-finals.

ICC Academy head of development Mudassar Nazar, the former Pakistan all-rounder, said: “We are all set for a great conclusion to this tournament.

“Oxford Marine’s success shows what can happen when it is just one match, a knock-out with all to play for.

“On paper, Danube Lions is the side to beat but anything is possible in the remainder of the action and with the high quality of play so far, I would not like to call the winner.”

ICC Academy manager Will Kitchen added: “We have seen some superb action so far and there will be plenty more to come this weekend.

“Players have lifted their performance levels and have produced some spectacular indoor cricket with more of the same to follow.”