Media Release
Jubail, Apr 14: The biggest ever Al-Falah Premier League 2016 cricket festival came to a close with the final match played on April 8 at Al-Falah ground here under the lights.
Al- Aad IMS cricket who seemed likely to win the final, lost to Eagalite in a well-fought battle which witnessed a nail-biting finish.
Earlier, Al-Aad won the toss and elected to bat to capitalize the chasing benefit. As calculated by Al- Aad IMS, Eagalite lost their three crucial wickets Hamza, Badi and Jabir within the power play. However, thanks to wonderful innings by Arsath and Qayyoom, Eagalite ended up amassing a huge score of 78 in 8 overs.
Al- Aad IMS opener entered the crease with a lot of confidence as they have humbled many a team in their run up to the final of Al-Falah Premier League 2016. However, the strong batting line of Al-Aad IMS was in trouble at the start itself by losing strongmen like Rafiq and Akhthar. But Raheel and Azad steadied the innings with a good partnership. Any chance of winning the match would depend on Eaglite to break this partnership. After some anxious moments Eagalite succeeded in breaking their partnership thereby putting pressure on Al-Aad IMS with the scoreboard showing 16 runs in 6 balls.
The last over was a cliffhanger which kept the audience on tenterhooks. After the first dot ball, the second claimed a wicket for Eagalite. But Hidayath of AL-Aad IMS got their supporters to their feet with two successive sixes and a four in the third, fourth and fifth ball with 3 runs required in the ultimate ball. The man of the moment Hidayath raised the expectation. Everyone thought he would send the last ball for either a four or a six.
But, Eagalite’s last delivery made a lasting difference. Hidayth could only drive the ball towards the long on with a fielder awaiting no chance for the second that would tie the match. The batsmen took a chance and ran for a second. But the straight throw by Arsath gave the wicket-keeper a chance for him to drop the bail before the batsman reached the crease. Eagalite were gifted with a well-deserved win at the end. the spectacular man of the match performance from Arsath gave Eagalite a victory to remember for a long time. Arsath scored an unbeaten 27 in 11 balls as well as snatched two crucial wickets for the benefit of his team.
The valedictory function which followed the final match was more than a usual presentation ceremony. It was a celebration for the crickets’ cause. Nazeeer Hussain Padubidri, the man behind the one and only flood light cricket facility at Jubail feels that the game of cricket has evolved in order to give a healing touch on the perils our society. He thinks the game of cricket can take up the cause for charity very well and that it should be played for charitable causes. Returns of most of the cricket tourney held at Al-Falah Cricket ground invariably goes for the cause of charity. Nazeer, managing director of Al- Falah group of companies feels blessed in this way of creating an avenue for cricket here in the form of Al- Falah Cricket Ground. Nazeer finds it fulfilling when he sees large number of youth gathering at Al- Falah ground week after week for some or other cricket tourney. Expatriate youth who are starved of entertainment, find Al-Falah cricket a weekend timepass to enjoy the cricketing moments.
Al Falah cricket club (ACC) mentored by Nazeer made sure that all arrangements were made in the most professional way to celebrate the glory of cricket. Elaborate arrangements were made for preparing the stage for the valedictory function. While speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Al-Falah MD pledged his support for cricket further and dedicated Al-Falah cricket ground to celebrate the spirit of cricket. Nazeer who rose from a humble background has carved out a craving place among the industrialists at Jubail. His hard work, penchant for discipline and sophistication, untiring enthusiasm have made him a respectable figure among business tycoons at Jubail.
Murari Trivedi, MD of AMCC Mahindra, Ayoub Syed, GM AMCC Mahindra and Jamaludeen Mansouri, Dy GM AMCC Mahindra KSA were guests of honor on the occasion. At the start of the match, the two teams gathered in the middle to receive support and motivation from the guests of honor. The national anthem of Saudi Arabia and India were sung.
Al-Falah Premier League cricket which began six weeks ago saw the participation of the best teams from Jubail, Dammam, Khobar, Al-Hassa and Riyadh. The spectacular evening event had a rare guest Mohammed Hashmathullah Khan, a certified NLP master coach, a life coach and therapist. Hashmathullah enthused the audience with a short cerebral speech.
Arsath, the man of the match was honored by Shaikh of Expertise Industrial Services. Latheef of Eastern Blue team was presented a special award by Hashmathullah Khan for his best catch. Jabir, the best wicket-keeper was honored by Hathim Kulur of Al-Falah group. Asrath from Eagalite was presented best bowler award by Asif. Raheez of Al-Aad IMS was best batsman of the tournament and Hamza of Eagalite was adjudged man of the series.