RIYADH — Major upsets sent big teams in a spin and opened up the groups in Youm Al-Watani Cup 2015 anew here recently.
Favorite teams lost their matches and their net run rate might be the key in deciding the top 8 teams, four from each group.
The tournament is being organized by GK International Sports Club under the newly-formed Saudi Federation for Softball and supported by Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC).
In a major upset rejuvenated Mashal Taif Tigers ended the unbeaten streak of defending champion Syed’s Najd Najams. Electing to bat first, Najams was shot out for 110 in 13 overs. Amir made 35 (17 balls) and Azhar 15. Shiraz (3-25), Shoeb (2-18) and Hussain (2-41) bowled excellent spells for Taif. Najams’ Saleem with 4-15 and Sohail 3-35 tried their best to restrict Taif but in vain. Satish smashed 28 (10 balls) at a crucial stage of the game to secure a 3-wicket win. Zakir added 25 in Mashal’s 113-7. Satish was named the Player of the Match.
AR Sports Dammam Fighters thrashed Saudi DM Hail Heroes by 7 wickets. Hail posted 124-7 in 16 overs with Khurram scoring 32 and Zaheer 26. Nisar scalped 2-19 and Imran 2-48 to restrict Hail. AR Fighters scored briskly to reach 130 for the loss of 3 wickets in 7.5 overs to boost its net run rate. Saeed hit 81 (4x8, 6x7) and Mustafa Qureshi 20. Inayath bagged 2-27. Nissar was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Oubler Riyadh Ryders needed a big win, but Alga Tabuk Titans denied it the victory. Opting to take the strike first, Oubler made 200-7. Fayyaz blasted 55, Aamer 33 and Waseem 46 as Amjad claimed 3-61, Jalil 2-48. Seeing a decent total on the board, the Riyadh bowlers went into rest mode and that helped Tabuk turn the screws on its rival. Tabuk managed 201 for 7 in 14.2 overs with Imran making 70 and Player-of-the-Match Masood managing an unbeaten knock of 42. Irfan took 2-31, Salman 2-40 and Aamer 3-44 but could not take the team home. The result has opened up Group A, where Najams heads the table.
Dream India Saudi Gems, which is already through, took the strike first and scored 163-8 against Shams Abha Avians. Captain Ehsan scored 47 and Amir 29. Aleemuddin scalped 5-35. Shams gave it a great chase, but fell short by 7 runs. It was bowled out for 156 in 16 overs. Abdul Raoof scored 50, Danish 50 and Asgar 22. Aamir claimed 3-31, Ibrahim 3-37 and Imran Mani 2-57. Ibrahim of Saudi Gems was named the Player of the Match.
Friendi Jubail Jaguars lost to Mir’s Saudi Stallions by 6 wickets. Batting first, Jubail notched 99-8 in 16 overs as Ahmed scalped 3-15, Ashiq 2-19 and Sharfuddin 2-27. Hussain managed 28 and Shakeel 27. Saudi Stallions was home (103) for the loss of 4 wickets in 6.3 overs with captain Shajahan slashing 33, Nouful 23 not out and Ahmed 15 not out. Muzamil took 3-28. Shajahan walked away with the Player of the Match award.
GK Gizan Gladiators fell against HS Khobar Knights by 5 wickets. Gizan put on 192-7 with Praveen scoring 57, Imran 38 and Mubashir 30. Khobar started well with Bipin making 78 before falling behind at one stage. Player-of-the-Match Abu Backer, however, made Khobar’s day with a quick-fire 60 to take the team to 193-5 with 6 balls to spare. Imran scalped 2-35 and Mubashir 2-28. Abu Backer also claimed the Umpiring Panel’s Star of the Day honors.
