By M. Ayazuddin Irfan
JEDDAH — The IDB Super League 2017 Softball Cricket Tournament (10 overs) kicked off at the IDBG and BMT grounds after a stellar opening and cup unveiling ceremony at IDBG headquarters here recently.
IDB, batting first in the opening match against Qatar Airways, scored 90 runs in the allotted 10 overs. Mazher top scored with 23, while Naeem picked up 3 wickets and Shaukath 2.
Qatar Airways achieved the target on the fifth ball of the last over in a thrilling finish and won the match by 3 wickets. Shahbaz of Qatar Airways was adjudged the Man of the Match for his unbeaten 27.
In the second match, Etihad Airways defeated Pakistan Consulate by 12 runs in a close encounter. Etihad, electing to bat first, tallied 142-6 with Asif blasting 76 runs.
In reply, Pakistan Consulate was restricted to 130-2. Asif was named the Man of the Match.
Indomie pulled off an easy victory over Bangladesh Consulate by 86 runs in the third match. Batting first, Indomie riding on a brilliant unbeaten knock of 93 by Mazher Abbasi amassed 149-1.
Bangladesh Consulate was then restricted to 83-8. Man of the Match: Mazher Abbasi (unbeaten 93).
Kerry Packers defeated AJIL by 23 runs. Opting to bat first, Kerry Packers compiled 140-4. Yasser top scorered with 55. He was well supported by Khaled (47). Ali took 3 wickets.
In reply, Waqas of Kerry Packers took 4 wickets to retrict AJIL to 117-7. Man of the Match: Waqas (4 wickets).
In another match, Al-Max clinched a thriller against AVK by 2 runs on the last ball.
Batting first, Al-Max recorded 128-3 through Qureshi (48) and Rauf (40). Abdul Rahman picked up 2 wickets.
Chasing 129, AVK lost the battle by 2 runs in a nail-biting finish. Bilal and Jawaad scored 29 each and Anas 24. Qureshi claimed 2 wickets. Man of the Match: Qureshi (48 runs and 2 wickets).
Pepsi Alliance had the last laugh against Royal Strikers in another encounter. Batting first, Pepsi Alliance put on 151-2 with Humayun smashing 77 and Rehan 26. Royal Strikers could manage only 106-5 in reply. Jawwad took 2 wickets, while a wicket each went to Farhan and Sohail. Man of the Match: Humayun (77 runs).
In the last match, Lothers defeated Young Star by 16 runs in a low-scoring encounter. Batting first, Lothers made 116-6 Rizvi belted an unbeaten 78. Amer took 2 wickets.
Chasing 117, Young Star made 100-2. Man of the Match: Ahmed Rizvi (unbeaten 78).
IDB Jeddah proudly employs a workforce of about 57 nationalities. The bank has the best green ground in the Kingdom. The tournament, which has become an annual feature for the last five years, has gained respect among the cricketing circles here for its efficient organization, fair play and an enthusiastic and respected crowd. The Staff Social Club (SSC) and Administrative Services Department (ASD) of IDB have been rendering tremendous support to this event, which has encouraged participation and promoted fraternity among the staff. It has been wholeheartedly welcomed by teams from other corporates, clubs, and consulates. IDB now hosts in-house tournaments as well as open events.
Excellent prizes are at stake for the IDB Super League 2017 which is supported by Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Gulf, Egypt Air, Kenya Airways, Pepsi, Air Blue and American Express.
