By Nasir Mehmood Abbasi
RIYADH — Pak Shaheen and Green Bangla emerged champions in the Al-Kharj and Hayer Leagues, respectively, of the RCA’s Amex T20 Tournament here. This event was organized by Riyadh Cricket Association (RCA) and sponsored by American Express Saudi Arabia (Amex).
Al-Kharj League
Pak Shaheen beat Lahore Lions by 3 runs in a thriller. Put into bat, Pak Shaheen started disastrously as it lost 3 quick wickets but Abdul Waheed and Ishaq Ahmed not only repaired the early damage but also took their team to a position of strength. Pak Shaheen posted a formidable total of 250-5 in 20 overs. Abdul Waheed scored yet another century and remained unbeaten on 153 off 64 balls, while Ishaq Ahmed added 81 off 42 balls. Awais and Saud picked up 2 wickets each.
Chasing a huge total, Lahore Lions fought well but fell short by just 3 runs. Lahore Lions managed 247-8. Fahad scored 56, Awais 54, Nawaz 31 and Mansoor 29. Abdulaziz, Ishaq Ahmed and Abdulwahab shared 2 wickets each.
Mohammed Naser of Sama Steel won the best batsman of the tournament award, Faisal Khan of Pak Shaheen the best bowler and Imran Khan of Lahore Badshah the best all-rounder. Man of the Final: Abdul Waheed.
Hayer League
Green Bangla upset Lahore Badshah Green by 3 wickets in another close match. Lahore Badshah Green elected to bat first and scored 173-8. Sahib Zahideen scored 54 and Jahangir 32. Mustafa claimed 3 wickets for Green Bangla. Green Bangla, in reply, achieved the target in 19 overs. Badal added 45 and Mustafa 37. Waseem, Sajid and Sahib Zahideen took 2 wickets each.
Zakaullah of Nouman Gymkhana won the best batsman of the tournament award, Atif Hussain of Lahore Badshah Green the best bowler and Mohammed Shahzad of Nouman Gymkhana the best all-rounder. Man of the Final: Mustafa.
A grand prize distribution ceremony was held after the conclusion of the finals. RCA General Secretary Nasir Abbasi anchored the ceremony. Georges Baklini of American Express Saudi Arabia was the chief guest. Tariq Javed, president of RCA and chairman of SCC EC; Nadeem Babar, CEO RCA; and special representative of RCA Patron-in-Chief Prince Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Abdul Karim Khan, Senior Vice President RCA; other RCA executive committee members and representatives of the RCA registered teams were also present on this occasion.
Javed thanked the American Express for sponsoring the tournament. He also appreciated RCA executive committee members for their commitment toward the development of the game of cricket. Baklini appreciated RCA’s efforts in organizing such a wonderful event which gave opportunity to around 1200 cricketers to play competitive cricket. He also assured American Express’s full support to RCA in future.
Javed also presented a shield to Baklini to acknowledge the support of American Express. Babar received a shield to be presented to RCA patron-in-chief.
