Dr. Gayas Ahmed Sattar
RIYADH — Three of the eight debutants started their campaigns with wins in the third season of Youm Al-Watani Cup 2015 Cricket Tournament. Dream India, first overseas franchise from India, Oubler from Jeddah and AR Sports from Riyadh got glorious wins. In other matches, Mir’s Saudi Stallion, GK Jeddah Jockeys, HS Khobar Knights, Mashal Taif Tigers and Syed’s Najd Najams earned opening wins.
Youm Al-Watani Cup is organized by GK International Indian Sports Club every year. The tourney is being played as part of celebration of Kingdom’s national day (Youm Al-Watani). This is the third version and is the biggest soft ball tournament in the Kingdom. This year, the Youm Al-Watani Cup got a big boost as it is supported by Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC).
In the first match of the day, Dream India Saudi Gems crushed Saudi DM Hail Hero’s by 7 wickets. Winning the toss, Saudi Digital Marketing team made 160 in 14.1 overs. Mubashir 69 (28 balls — 4x6, 6x6) and Khuram 26 (18 — 6x3) made runs for Hero’s. Zakir (4-36), Baber (3-58) and Imran (2-31) shared the wickets for Gems. Dream India easily chased the total in 12.2 overs with openers Imran 75 (37 — 4x3, 6x7) and Player of the Match Baber 60 (29 —4x7, 6x3) sharing a 135-run partnership. Amer took 2-10.
In the second match, Oubler’s Riyadh Ryders defeated Friendi’s Jubail Jaguars by 38 runs. Opting to bat first, Oubler’s made 157-7 in 16 overs through Amer 43 (18 — 4x3, 6x3) and Adnan 37 (21 — 4x1, 6x4). Qadeer (3-44), Sadiq (2-34) and Muzammil (2-43) shared the wickets. Friendi could muster only 119 in 14.1 overs. Muzammil made 24 (24 — 4x2, 6x1) and Umer 20 (16 — 4x1, 6x2). Afroz (3-30), Salman (2-30) and Player of the Match Adanan (2-26) claimed the wickets.
Player of the Match Mustafa hit a fine 95 (48 — 4x7, 6x7) along with Adnan 27 (15, 6x3) and helped debutant AR Dammam Fighter to post 185-5 in 16 overs. Farook contributed 22 (17 — 6x1, 4x1). Meraj took 2-46. In reply, Shams Abha Avians, another debutant, got out for 135 in 14 overs. Raoof 29 (11 — 6x4), Ali 30 (22 — 4x2, 6x2) and Yousuf 28 (15 — 4x1, 6x3) scored for Shams. Nissar (3-20), Saeed (2-35), Hashim (2-31) and Farook (2-36) took the wickets.
HS Khobar Knights defeated Delta Najran Jewels by 25 runs. Batting first, Khobar made 222-4 through Deepu 78 (27 — 4x4, 6x9), Siyadh 57 (32 — 5x6) and Mansoor 25 (13 — 4x1, 6x2). Nooman took 2-37. Najran Jewels was bundled out for 197. Tauseef hit 55 (20 — 4x2, 6x6), Saleem 32 (15 — 4x3, 6x2), while Saqlin and Faisal contributed 26 each. Binesh was the main destroyer for Najran as he took 5-26. He was named Player of the Match.
New franchise Alga Tabuk Titans lost to Mir’s Saudi Stallion by 48 runs. Put in to bat, Mir’s scored 183 with Khurram 56 (40 — 4x5, 6x3) and Nakheeb 25 (17 — 4x1, 6x2) adding to the score. Shadab and Amjad took 2 scalps each. Alga could score only 135 due to fine bowling by Ahmed Tamimi who took 5-22. Only Imran (22) and Masood (23) resisted for Alga TT. Ahmed Tammie was named Player of the Match.
The match between GK Gizan Gladiators and debutant Interactive Jeddah Jockeys came to a nail-biting finish with GK team crossing the line with 4 balls to spare, mainly due to the fine knocks by Mubashir (103 not out — 31 with 6x12, 4x4) and Imran (53 — 21 with 5x6, 3x4). Mubashir was named Player of the Match.
Aftab 40 (24 — 4x7) and Mujeeb 34 (20 — 4x4, 6x1) helped Mashal Taif Tigers pile up 166 against Abad Yanbu Warriors. Abdul Aziz, Shageer and Zubair took 2 wickets each for Abad. Mashal TT restricted Abad to 113-6. Asim’s economical spell with 3 wickets earned him the Player of the Match award.
In the last match of the day, defending champ Syed’s Najd Najams overcame the challenge of 2013 champ Mazaya Arab Royals. Batting first, Syed’s scored 249-1 with Saleem Rafeeq making a blistering 188 (64 — 4x8, 6x20). Mazaya managed 222-6 thus handing a 27-run victory to Syed’s. For Mazaya, Waseem scored a fine 146 (47 — 4x7, 6x16). For his fine knock Saleem not only earned the Player of the Match award, but also this week’s Most Valuable Player award – Star of the Day — sponsored by the International Indian School Riyadh.
