By Syed Hashmath

JEDDAH — KSA Blue emerged the 11th edition winners of Jeddah Premier League Sultan Cup’ 2018 by beating ABCC 6 wickets in the final at Sulemania ground here recently.

JPL President Syed Hashmath thanked their title sponsors Sultan Hotel, Janab Faisal Sahab, for his support. He also thanked co-sponsors: KHIND and Ismail Yamani, regional manager of KHIND the manufacturers of electrical accessories, lamps, fans and other household appliances. He also thanked other co-sponsors: Mahmood Saeed Beverage Industry for B.Cola, Boom Boom, Adventure Tours & Travels, Ahmed Shirazi, & Romman Restaurant. He said without their support an event of this scale would not have been possible.

The tourney is organized by Jeddah Premier League (JPL) under the aegis of Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC) and supported by SISCF. After 11 weeks wherein (48) teams battled it out with each other with the eventual winner emerging after 103 matches.

Azizia Boys CC totaled 116-6 against KSA Blue in 15 overs. Rana Haroon smashed 53 in just 28 deliveries (6x4, 2x6) with Rana Farees contributing 19 runs. Rajjab and Tabrez took 2 wickets each as Alam and Jameel got a wicket each.

In reply, KSA Blue easily got the target of 117. Najjam cracked 27 runs in 19 balls (2x4, 2x6) and Ramiz then got a responsible 31 runs in 23 balls (1x4, 1x6) along with Shahbaz who hit 24 runs in 18 balls (4x4)

The colorful final was packed with cricket lovers and graced by Chief Guest Osman Bin Mahfooz, founder & president of SISCF, Mahmood Misri, Nadeem Abdul Basith and Ismail Yamani.

Mahfooz, Misri, Yamani and Hashmath presented the Champions Trophy to KSA Blue Captain Syed Mukarram Nazeer. The runner-up cup was awarded to ABCC Captain Farees by Mohammed Amer & Aslam Ali Khan.

Match Summary:

ABCC 116-6 in their allotted 15 overs, In reply, KSA Blue easily chased the target and scored 117-4 in 13 overs. Man of the Match was shared by Ramiz and Najjam as KSA Blue won by 6 wickets.

Individual awards:

Man of the Match for Final — Ramiz & Najjam (KSA Blue); Player of the Tournament — Shabaz Alam (KSA Blue); Best Batsman — Shariff (KSA Blue); Best Bowler — Haroon Rana (ABCC).

Along with JPL trophies, there were plenty of gifts presented to players for their meritorious performances. Closing ceremony started with the recitation of verses from Holy Qur’an by Fahad. Hashmath, in his speech, expressed JPL’s gratitude to chief guest Osman Bin Mahfooz, all the sponsors, playing teams, spectators and well wishers for making this event a grand success.

Mahfooz appreciated the finalists performances and the JPL organizing team for organizing such a successful event within all limitations. He also offered possible support to JPL for the development of the game in Saudi Arabia.

JPL General Secretary, Mohammed Amer, Vice President Syed Mukarram Nazir, Event Coordinator Aslam Ali Khan, Executive Members, Rahmath, Ehsan, Minhaj, Imran and Talah proposed a vote of thanks to all. — SG