By A.A. Merchant

JEDDAH — Banswada Ball Burners (BBB) clinched the CIT SPL T20 3rd Edition 2017-18 beating Pepsi Deccan Knights (PDK) Shawahid Tech in a high-scoring thriller by chasing a massive target of 240 for the loss of 4 wickets in the last over with 5 balls to spare.

Earlier PDK had scored a massive 239 for 5 in 20 overs — a big one for a final under pressure. At one stage, BBB required 72 in last 5 overs, but next 4 yielded 20, 18, 11 and 22 in that order for a total 71 runs to bring down the required target to 1 in 6 balls, as BBB batsmen went on the rampage.

Batting first after winning the toss, PDK was off to a flier, despite losing Kashif early as BBB bowler conceded 22 in the second over — 13 of which were wide. BBB bowlers bowled some wayward length, which was capitalized by PDK batsmen Babar and Bilal Moghul (Orange Cap holder) as they scored 85 runs in 6 overs of power play. Babar and Bilal were not afraid to take their chances, with some good running between the wickets and taking opportunity to punish the loose delivery as they put on 153 runs for the second wicket at almost 12 an over. Babar scored a superb 75 off 36 balls with 10 well-timed fours and 2 sixes, while Bilal matched him ball by ball hitting 9 fours and a six in his 73. Later Ather (23) and Mazhar Abbasi (34 not out) — in 15 balls, 20 from the last over — hit out to ensure PDK maintain the run rate of 12 an over to end at 239 for 5 in 20 overs. Sohail with 2 for 36 was the only bowler to command respect.

In response to an asking rate of 12 an over, BBB went on the offensive and scored 69 in 6 overs of power play, losing Amer Wahla (14) but Khawar Sohail continued his good form and belted the bowlers all around to keep the momentum and maintain the required run rate along with Amer Siddique. Acceleration came in the 10th over as they took 23 and it looked that Khawar (94 off 49 balls 12 fours and 4 huge sixes) who dominated with bulk of the scoring, threatening to finish the game quickly. However, Adnan struck, bowling him off a sharp in-swinger and scalped Zameer (0) in 3 balls to reduce BBB to 136 for 3. At this stage 104 were required in 8 overs but 3 catches were dropped and that cost PDK dearly as Asif went on the rampage scoring a superb 48 (22 balls, 4 sixes, 3 fours), with Amer Siddiqui batting elegantly with 57 not out (34 balls 5 fours, 2 sixes), taking advantage of dropped catches. Although 72 were required from 5 overs, both batsman charged their fusillade to bring them on the verge of their first JCA title. BBB ran away to victory scoring the winning run on the first ball of the 20th over, to record a massive 6-wicket win — highest run-case in an SPL final — and lifted the CIT SPL T20 2017-18 third Edition.

The event was sponsored by Canadian International Trading Company and co-sponsored by Initial Services, Air India, Hyderabad Sharks, Khind Electronics, Arrow Food Distribution Company (Mizo Juices) and PEPSI (SIPCO) and organized by Jeddah Cricket Association.

Result and scores:

Banswada Ball Burner beat PDK Shahwahid Tech by 6 wickets.

PDK Shawahid Tech 239 for 5 in 20 overs (Babar 75, Bilal 73, Mazhar Abbasi 30 not out, Ather 23). BBB 240 for 4 in 19.1 overs (Khawar Sohail 94, Amer Siddiqui 51 not out, Asif 48).

Man of Match — Khawar Sohail; Most Dependable Player — Amer Siuddiqui; Maximum Sixes (4) — Asif (all of BBB).