Mohammed Siraj
Daijiworld Media Network - Dammam
Dammam, Oct 25: Amaco Jubail defeated Cornich Blue Crickets (CBC) by 6 wickets in the finals of Al Huwais Trophy, a seven-over, knockout cricket tournament sponsored by Al Huwais Gen Trading Est – Dammam and organized by Dammam Cricket Association (DCA).
Having won the toss and elected to bat first, CBC lost their opener in the first ball of the match. At this stage good striker of the ball Mohammed joined Nayaz Kaizer and played responsibly and added 20 runs for the 2nd wicket. After the fall of Nayaz's wicket, all-rounder Nizaam joined Mohammed and both batted magnificently to build up the score. They put on 40 runs for the 3rd wicket. Nizaam hit three huge sixes before he was out for 29. CBC were able to reach a total of 82 in the allotted seven overs. Mohammed scored 19 while Kaizer 10.
For Amaco, opener Nayaz and Imran played magnificently. Imran smashed four consecutive sixes in the first over and scored 25 runs in 6 balls. Nayaz and Imran batted superbly and put on a valuable partnership of 73 runs for the 1st wicket. Imran reached the half-century mark before he got out (6 x 5 + 4 x 2). Then Afwan joined Nayaz and both took their team to an easy victory in the 5th over. Nayza remained not out for 32.
Imran of Amaco was judged Man of the Match for his brilling batting performance.
Prior to the finals, the first semi-finals was played between CBC and Crescent. Batting first Crescent made 79 in the allotted seven overs. Shadab scored 15 and Nawaz 27. In reply, CBC overcame the target in the 7th over, with Nizaam scoring 33 and Mohammed 18.
The second semi-final was played between Blue Stars and Amaco Jubail. Amaco, batting first put up 69/7 in seven overs, with Nayaz making 32. Blue Stars fell short by 10 runs.
Sixteen teams participated in the three-week tournament played at Rakha Grounds Dammam.
After the finals a prize distribution function was held in which Afwan of Amaco was judged Player of the Tournament for his batting and bowling performances.
Nayaz of Amaco also won the best batsman and keeper of the tournament awards, while Santosh Shetty of CBC was adjudged bowler of the tournament.
DCA committee praised Suhail Abbasi of Al Huwais Gen Trading Est Dammam for having sponsored the tournament over the last seven years. Suhail Abbasi lauded the DCA committee for promoting cricket in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia.
DCA vice-presidents Mushtaq, Eithesham and Raj Gopal, Sharief Ummer, and Gopal Shetty were present.