By Aijaz Ahmed Khan

JEDDAH — Makkah Eagles will lock horns with Pak Shaheen in the final for the Jotun Paints Saudi Cup sponsored by Jotun Saudi Company and organized by Jeddah Cricket Association (JCA) here.

In the semifinals, Makkah Eagles successfully chased a target of 212 set by Jamoom Fighters for the loss of 5 wickets, while Pak Shaheen which scored 213 for 7, went on to bundle out UT Lines for a paltry 60 runs to win by 153 runs.

Jamoom Fighters put up a respectable tally of 211-7, as Qasid continuing his good form with the bat scored an elegant 79 with 6 fours and 6 sixes. Naeem gave him good support scoring a quick-fire 50 off 20 balls with 10 hits to the fence. Later, Aslam propped up the middle order with an attractive 40 with 2 fours and 2 sixes. Javed dealt crucial blows, taking 3 for 37 including a hat trick, while Makki chipped in with 2 for 41.

In reply, Shahzad went on a rampage scoring 58 off only 19 balls with 8 sixes to set the tone at the top and was ably supported down the order by Saad (45), Tanveer (41), Malik Aijaz (23) and Zahid (23) to enable Makkah Eagles reach 214 for 5 and record a superb win by 5 wickets.

Pak Shaheen amassed 213 for 7 in its 20 overs and went on to bundle out UT Lines for a paltry 60 to win by a massive margin of 153 runs with Faisal (3-21) and Furqan (2-17) doing most of the damage. Only Waleed (16) and Shad (10) touched double figures.

Earlier, Faisal was instrumental for Pak Shaheen reaching 213 for 7 with a pugnacious 74 with 8 fours and 3 sixes. He got good support from Usman (25), Nasir (24), and Atiq (22). Waleed and Akhtar took 2 wickets each for 52 and 22 runs, respectively.

Scores:

Makkah Eagles beat Jamoom Fighters by 5 wickets. Jamoom Tigers 211-7 (Naeem 50 (20 balls 10 four), Qasid 79 (6 fours, 6 sixes), Aslam Rao 40 (2 fours, 2 sixes); Javed 3-37 including a hat trick, Makki 2-41). Makkah Eagles 214-5 in 18 overs (Saad 45 (18 balls 4 fours, 4 sixes), Shahzad 58 (19 balls 8 sixes), Tanveer 41 (7 fours), Malik Aijaz 23, Zahid 23; Azam 2-30).

Pak Shaheen beat UT Lines by 153 runs. Pak Shaheen 213-7 (Faisal Khan 74 (8 fours, 3 sixes), Usman 25, Nasir 24, Atiq 22; Waleed 2-52, Akhtar 2-22). UT Lines 60 all out in 12.3 overs (Waleed 13, Shad Muhammad 10; Faisal 3-21, Furqan 2-17).