JCA sweeps ALS-Mumtaz inter-city series

Aijaz Ahmed Khan JEDDAH — Jeddah Cricket Association (JCA) swept the two-match inter-city series against Riyadh Cricket League (RCL) in Riyadh recently. The series was organized by RCL and sponsored by ALS Borderless Logistics Company and Mumtaz Sports Academy of Mumtaz Group. JCA downed RCL by 30 runs in Friday thriller. Opting to bat, JCA was all out for 330 in 39.3 overs. Prolific opener Qamar Awan went cheaply but his partner Moazzam Shoukat stood firm to score 90 in 72 balls with 12 fours and 2 sixes. Shoukat put on a 150-run partnership with Kashif Shafiq, who scored 77 in 61 balls with 11 fours. Later, Athar Abdul Quddus (55), Babar Hussain (27) and Abu Huraira (31) propped up the middle order to lift the team to a respectable total of 330. For RCL, Ibrahim (4-65) bowled his heart out and was supported by Naveed (2-47), Shahzaib (2-66), while a wicket each was claimed by Asad and Alam. In reply, RCL started comfortably despite losing opener Moizuddin, caught by Babar Hussain off Imran. But Osman batted patiently and maintained an asking rate of 8.5 run per over. He scored a brilliant 124 in 87 balls with 18 fours and a six. It looked smooth sailing for RCL before an excellent throw from the deep by Moazam to wicketkeeper Babar Hussain ended Osman’s heroics as he tried to steal a second run. After the fall of Osman, despite efforts by Naveed (39), Alam (36), Abu Sufian (31), Asad Khan (27) and Shahzaib (21 not out) RCL was bowled out for 300 in 36 overs. Bowling honors for JCA were shared by Imran Butt (3-64), Abu Huraira (2-56), Adnan Liaqat (2-70) and Faheem Pasha 1-48. Special awards: Man of the Match — Moazzam Shoukat (90 runs); Best Batsman — Osman (124); Best Bowler — Ibrahim (4-65) and Best Wicketkeeper — Babar Hussain (4 victims). In the second match, JCA trounced RCL by 153 runs. Once again, electing to bat first, JCA openers went on the rampage from the start scoring 10 runs per over and piled up 426-6 in 40 overs. JCA’s prolific opener Qamar Awan started with a six off Farmanullah and went on to punish every bowler to score 183 in 104 balls with 18 boundaries and 5 sixes. Fellow opener Moazzam (45) played second fiddle at the other end, giving Qamar the strike. After the departure of Moazzam, Kashif maintained his form, scoring 74 with 10 fours and 2 sixes, while Abu Huraira (28) and Abdul Wahid (20) remained unbeaten. Shakeel Sadiq (2-61), Ibrahim (2-87), Naveed (1) and Farmanullah (1) were the wicket-takers. In reply, RCL was bowled out for 273 in 31 overs. Mushtaq was the highest scorer with 67, followed by Shahzaib (40), Faheemuddin (33) and Shakeel (30). There were 42 extras. Abu Huraira, Imran, Adnan and Faheem took 2 wickets each and Abdul Wahid one. Special awards: Man of the Match — Qamar Awan (183); Best Batsman — Kashif Shafiq (74) and Best All-Rounder — Abu Huraira (29 not out and 2-30). The prize distribution function started with recitation of a few verses from the Holy Qur’an by 7-year-old Yousuf Zakaria. RCL CEO Jawaid Munawar thanked JCA officials and players for cooperating with RCL. Pervez Khan of JCA received the winner’s cup and individual medals, while Asad Khan of RCL received the runner-up cup and medals. Medals were also presented to umpires Mahmood Hussain of JCA and Mubeen Ahmed of RCL, official scorers Sayeed Ahmed of JCA and Esa Zakaria and Nayeem Parkar of RCL. Mementos were given to sponsor Mohammad Rafeeq (advisor of RCL and chairman of Mumtaz Group), Hanif Babar (senior vice president of RCL), Zakaria Hasan (general secretary of RCL) and official RCL photographer Sanobar Khan. JCA and RCL exchanged plaques of appreciation. Sponsors Rafeeq of Mumtaz Group and Sulaiman Shareef of ALS promised their support in future.