By Aijaz Ahmed Khan

JEDDAH —Pak Shaheen lived up to its reputation as it scored an emphatic 73-run win over Makkah Eagles to clinch the Jotun Paints Saudi Cup — its first trophy in JCA.

This Saudi Cup was sponsored by Jotun Saudia Company Limited and organized by Jeddah Cricket Association (JCA).

Pak Shaheen batted first and scored 263 runs for 4 wickets. Faisal Khan who had been consistently scoring throughout the league, once again was up to the occasion in the final as he contributed a pugnacious 65 runs off only 28 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes. However, he was over-shadowed by Raweedad Ahmed who scored a brilliant 90 off 47 balls with 7 hits to the fence and 7 sixes. Giving him company down the order was Usman (31 — 3 fours, 1 six) and Furqan (44 — 3 fours, 4 sixes). Malik Aijaz took 2 for 41, while Javed and Nawaz picked up a wicket each.

Makkah Eagles got off to a good start keeping up with the required run rate despite losing 2 early wickets. It raced to 100 in 8 overs and looked to make a fighting reply. But some quick wickets slowed down its progress and in the end could only manage 190-7. Malik Aijaz was the highest scorer with a brilliant 73 off 28 balls with 5 fours and 5 sixes. Then besides Tanveer (30) other batsmen failed. Faisal (2-40), Yasir (2-42) and Israr (2-22) chipped in with wickets at regular intervals to give Pak Shaheen a fascinating win by 73 runs and the coveted Jotun Paints Saudi Cup.

After the match, prize distribution ceremony was held at the ground. Although Jotun officials could not make it to the final, Faisal Karim, marketing manager, conveyed the management’s message thanking Jeddah Cricket Association for giving Jotun Paints an opportunity to sponsor the Saudi Cup and assured JCA of their continued support in future.

JCA CEO Muhammad Iqbal thanked Jotun management in general and Faisal Karim and Syed Muzakkir Bukhari, product manager, in particular, for their continued support to JCA in the 8 consecutive years of sponsorship. Iqbal appreciated the excellent work done by the executive committee for the successful conduct of the league, arrangements for the final and prompt media coverage of weekly matches.

Aijaz Khan, president of JCA, highlighted the continued encouragement of Jotun Paints for sports in general and cricket in particular as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility toward community welfare.

Iqbal, Khan and Vice President Hamid Hana awarded the prizes.

Outstanding awards:

Best Batsman — Amer Wahla of Naseem Al-Zahraa, 549 runs; Best Bowler — Zaman of Butt Sports, 20 wickets; Best All-Rounder —Faisal Khan of Pak Shaheen, 620 runs and 19 wickets; Man of the Final — Raweedad Ahmed of Pak Shaheen, 90 runs; Man of Match in semifinals — Faisal Khan of Pak Shaheen, 157 runs and Shahzad of Makkha Eagles, 58 runs; Hat tricks — Haroon (KAIA), Khalid (Naseem Al-Zahra), Ali (Awan CC), Nahid (Al-Zafer), Nazeer (UT Lines), Saqlain (Pak Makkah) and Jawed (Makkah Eagles).