By Aijaz Ahmed Khan
JEDDAH — Jamoom Tigers beat UT Lines in an exciting finish by 2 wickets in the final of the Kanoo Premier League final which is sponsored by Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo and organized by Jeddah Cricket Association (JCA).
UT Lines scored 197-6 in 20 overs and the match was evenly poised with Jamoom at 190-8, needing 8 runs in 2 overs. UT Lines bowled a tight 19th over and conceded only 2 runs. The third ball of the last over was smashed by Adnan over mid-wicket to clinch the match and the 23rd Kanoo Premier Cup.
At one stage it looked like Jamoom Tigers will make a mockery of UT Lines target of 198 as their opener Shehzad was just unstoppable, scoring at will smashing bowlers all over the field with 15 fours and 2 sixes. After 11 overs, going at almost 12 per over they were 131 for 1. But then Shehzad was caught at the fence going for a big one. He hit 86 off 39 balls. Thereafter, wickets fell in quick succession and Tigers were reeling at 176-8 having lost 7 wickets for 45 runs, needing 22 runs in 3 overs and 6 of the last over in which Adnan sealed victory at 198-8 in 19.3 overs.
Earlier UT Lines had scored 197-6 with useful contributions by Waqas (34), Shad (33), Ali (32), Usman (26) as Irfan (3-6) and Shehzad (2-28) excelled with the ball. UT Lines fought excellently specially skipper Shad Mohammed who after scoring 33 came in to bowl a crucial spell and picked up 3-19. He got good support from Ismail (2-31).
Mohammed Ali Kaleem represented Sheikh Ahmed Fawzi Kanoo, as chief guest during the awarding ceremony. He thanked JCA for giving Kanoo the opportunity to sponsor Premier League. He appreciated the JCA efforts and the excellent arrangements during the league, including the final.
The ceremony master A. A. Merchant thanked and appreciated the continuous support of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group for JCA Leagues for the 23rd year which shows their strong commitment to sports in general and cricket in particular.
JCA CEO Mohammed Iqbal also thanked Kanoo management and congratulated the winner Jamoom Tigers and runner-up UT Lines. He also thanked the executive committee for their excellent ground arrangements throughout the league and the final.
JCA President Aijaz Khan also thanked sponsors, media, umpires, logistics and ground support staff and commentators. He also appreciated teenage photographer Mohammed Shaheer.
JCA presented a plaque to Sheikh Ahmed Fawzi Kanoo which was received on his behalf by Mohammed Ali Kaleem, who later presented the cups and medals.
Special awards: Man of the Final — Mohammed Shehzad of Jamoom Tigers (86 runs and 2-28); Best Batsmen — Adnan Butt (754 runs) and Usman Butt (463 runs at an average of 154.33), both of Jamoom Tigers; Best Bowlers — M. Sayeed of Jamoom Tigers (22 wickets) and Zeeshan of ARM United (19 wickets); Best All-Rounder — Majid Butt of Kashmir Stags (661 runs and 16 wickets); Best Partnership — 240 runs between Adnan Siddique and Adnan Butt of Jamoom Tigers; Hat Trick — Naseer of Kashmir Stags; Special Award —Faizan of Al-Burj for his 4 wickets for just 3 runs.
