P A Hameed Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh

Riyadh, Apr 25: Mangalore Kings (MKs) clinched the glittering 'Suhana Trophy-2012' by trampling the incessant cricket giant Seven Star (SS) by 26 runs in the cricket playoff held recently at MVPI Ground, here.

This is for the second time in Riyadh that Suhana Travels conducted cricket match for encouraging and promoting the young cricketers of Mangalore in Saudi Arabia. The grand finale was successfully conducted in spite of the dusty weather.

A total of 12 teams including Deerah Boys, Uchila Friends, United Ullal, Tanzeem C C, S Challengers F C, Mangalore Sporting, Mangalore Kings, Friends Padubidri, Madinah X1, Eagle Riyadh C C, Parkar C C and Seven Star- had participated in this league based tournament.

The grand finale between Mangalore Kings (MKs) and Seven Star has demonstrated a exciting glitz in the ground. After winning the toss, Riyaz Mulky-captain of Seven Star, elected to field first by providing a opening to Mangalore Kings (MKs) to bat. Despite a initial tough take-off by MKs, it showed an excellent performance and stimulating move in the mid of the match. An unparalleled partnership between (MKs batsmen) Raza and Shamshu increased their team’s winning chance to a larger extent. Raza scored 33 runs and Shamsu scored 26 runs respectively. Although, Shabbir of Seven Star, who picked 5 wickets, was a jumpover to MKs for the smooth moving of their run flow, yet MKs was able to gain 115 scores in the allotted 12 overs.

Now, Seven Star (SS) team jumped into the pitch to chase the target set by MKs. The loss of three wickets at the start itself has caused the morale of SS down. The equilibrium between bowling and batting exhibited by MKs became a negative point to SS to reach the set target.  Imran, Janzeb and Hilal have showed splendid bowling and picked four and two wickets each respectively. Riyaz (captain of SS) and Imthiyaz Mulky from SS made a fantastic push in the batting in the critical juncture, which enabled them to get re-energized in their hope of chasing target. MKs players had to wobble severely at one point because of SS’s revived show of competition in the arena. Imthiyaz Mulky got 26 runs, whereas Riyaz Mulky gained 18 runs with his hitting of three consecutive sixes. However, MKs’ strategic game and wonderful hitting has dimmed SS’s chance to get to the winning target at once. In the end, SS scored only 89 runs all out in 11.3 overs in allotted 8 overs and MKs emerged champions of the tournament.

Prior to this final playoff, one more match for the third spot was played between S Challengers F C and Uchila Friends. In a fantastic fixture, S Challengers F C defeated Uchila Friends and won by seven wickets. Uchila Friends batted first after loss of toss. Though it was tough task ahead for F C, it was made possible by the marvellous batting performance by Shahin and Rumsheed of S Challengers FC Shahin of S  Challengers F C was awarded as man of the match.
 
The grand finale was followed a presentation ceremony. Syed Ansar, proprietor, Suhana Travels, gave a welcome speech. In his welcome address, he thanked and appreciated all the participated cricket teams, umpires, supporters and audience for making the tournament a  grand success. Ansar presented the second runner-up trophy and SR 500 to S Challengers F C.
 
Engineer Mohsen Bassam Atollah (Saudi ARAMCO Engineer, Jubail & Suhana Partner), who was the chief guest on the occasion, presented the runners up trophy and cash prize of SR 1500 to Seven Star and winner trophy-2012 and cash prize of SR 3000 to Mangalore Kings in the presence of hundreds of cricket lovers.
Engineer Mohsen Bassam Atollah, P A Hameed Padubidri (Daijiworld Saudi correspondent and president of PANORAMA-Riyadh), Rajesh (general secretary, KWAR-Riyadh), Abubacker Padubidri (owner of Raisco Company, Riyadh), Abu Muhammad, Ahmed Kannangar (co-ordinator, Suhana Travels Riyadh), Mohammed Fayaz Mangalore were present on the occasion to witness the event.

In his keynote address, Mohsen Bassam greatly appreciated the cricket and players and said–“This was for the first time I was watching the cricket and was really impressed with the style and way the players played in the pitch and field," and urged the cricketers to spread the game widely in Saudi Arabia; he also promised that the next cricket match will be arranged by him to play alongside the ARAMCO premises, which gained the round of applause from the audience and cricketers.

Match referees Fayaz, Mustaq; umpires Bhaskar, Abdul Rahman, Prakash Shetty, Ali Mulki, Fakhruddin, Jaya Shetty, Aziz B K, Khair Hashim, Rafiq Padubidri; scorers Ravi, Khadir Karnad, Abdul Rahim Yermal were recognized and conferred with mementos and special presents for their hard work and endeavours in organizing the tournament successfully. Sarfraz Padubidri, Riyaz, Sateesh Suralpady, Rafiq Palimar, Mansoor Kundapuar, Mansour Padubidri, Rasheed, Asif were given a appreciation for their joint effort and support in making the playoffs unbeaten.

Suhana t-shirts were distributed to all players and volunteers by the organizers of Suhana Travels, Riyadh. Abubakker Kannangar, who was a key organizer of the tournament, was fully appreciated and recognized with gusto on the occasion. Mohammed Riyaz Mangalore hosted the ceremony and conducted the commentary during the match.

Arif from Mangalore Kings won the lucky lot in the contest-“Guess the Winner of Suhana Trophy-2012”.

Awards
Winner : Mangalore Kings  (Awarded with trophy, cash prize SR 3,000)
Runner-up : Seven Star (Awarded with trophy, cash prize SR 1,500)
Second runner-up : S Challengers F C (Awarded with trophy, cash prize SR 500)
 
Man of the Match (Final) - (Awarded trophy for all matches (League, quarter and semi finals best performances)
Man of the Final Match – Imran (MKs) (Awarded with trophy, special gift)
Man of the series - Imthiyaz (Seven Star) (Awarded with trophy, special gift)
Batsman of the tournament - (Orange cap) - Raza (MKs) (Awarded with trophy, special gift)                                                                                                                                
Bowler of the tournament (RedCap) - Jazeeba (MKs) (Awarded with trophy, special gift)
Man of the Match- (For each match)
Best Catch-Shamsu (MKs)
Fastest Century-Shakir (Friends Padubidri)
Best Keeper – Asif (Mangalore Kings)
Hatrick Wicket in a match – Fazil (S Changers F C) and Rajab Raj ( Uchila Friends)
Five Wicket hold in a match – Samiullah (M’lore Sporting) and Shabbir (Seven Star)
First called Team name during match fixtures ceremony- United Ullal