By Dr. Gayas Ahmed Sattar
RIYADH - Pak Shaheen defeated Sama Steel in a thrilling final by 2 runs to clinch the 2016 Youm Al-Watani Cup crown here recently.
The tournament was jointly organized by Riyadh Cricket Association (RCA) and GK International Indian Sports Club (GKIISC) under the auspices of Saudi cricket Center (SCC).
Sama Steel captain Asif Butt won the toss and invited Pak Shaheen to bat. Openers Ibrar 36 and Abdul Waheed 70 gave Shaheen a good start. One down Faisal khan 102 (58 balls) made the bulk of the score. Abdul Salam (20), Ishaq (30) and Abdul Qadir (20) contributed to take the total to 329 all out in 35.3 overs. At one stage it looked like Pak Shaheen was headed for a big score, but Sama Steel bowlers bowled well after the drinks break. They removed the Pak Shaheen batsman at regular intervals. Kamran Hadi was the pick of the bowlers as he took 4-51. Raja Aijaz claimed 2-50, while Ramzan, Asif Butt and Rizwan all took a wicket each.
Sama Steel started briskly needing a little over 8.2 runs per over. Rashid Mirza (86) and captain Asif Butt gave it a sound start. Ramzan remained unbeaten on 67. Abdul Wahab (1-42) removed the dangerman Raja Aijaz for 2. Rizwan Mansoor (66) and Asif (33) brought the score well within reach. It looked as if Sama Steel will easily cross the target. But a crucial spell by Ibrar ul Haq (4-52) turned the tide toward Pak Shaheen. Ishaq (1-37) removed Rizwan. A quick fall of wickets nailed Sama down. By the time it recovered the asking rate was well above 12. Needing 31 off the last 3 overs, Kamran Hadi (21 off 11 balls) took the bowling of Pak Shaheen apart. With 11 needed of the last 2 balls, Kamran hit the penultimate ball over the midwicket for a six. With 5 needed of the last ball, Dawood bowled a disguised slower ball as Kamran managed only 2, thus handing Pak Shaheen a 2-run win. Ibrar Ul Haq was named the Player of Match for his all-round performance.
Soon after the match a colorful prize distribution ceremony was held at the RCA sports complex. Chief guest on the occasion was Nadeem Nadwi, CEO of Saudi Cricket Center (SCC). Tariq Javed, President, RCA, and Mir Muzzaffer Ali, patron of GKIISC, were also present. RCA CEO Nadeem Baber and Gen. Secretary Nasir Abbasi along with GKIISC President Dr. Gayas Ahmed Sattar and General Secretary Mohammed Kaleem along with the executive members witness the final. Aziz Amine, marketing director of Friendi Mobiles, Shaik Mohammed Aziz of Al-Kabeer, Shahbaz Farooqui of FINFA and Arab National Bank officials were also among the guests.
Abdul Waheed of Pak Shaheen won the Best Batsman trophy. Faisal Khan of Pak Shaheen claimed the Best Bowler award for his tally of 12 wickets. Hamza Abbasi was named the Best All-rounder. Shameen Khan Fair Play trophy was awarded to Pakistan Falcons team. GK special awards went to Naser Abbasi for setting a new individual score with 244 runs, Nadeem Babar for carrying the bat with 160 not out, and Dr. Hashir for Best Match Coordinator. All three were awarded gold coins.
