By Riyaz Abdul Khader

JEDDAH — Tournament favorite and former champion Young Star Cricket Club will face dark horse Royal Fighter Jeddah in the final of the 10th TCF FSN Champions Trophy at 7:00 p.m. Friday at BMT Ground, Sitteen road here.

This 10th edition of the tournament is organized by Tellichery Cricket Forum (TCF) under the auspices of Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC). It is mainly sponsored by FSN and well supported by Bupa Arabia, Tamer, Masum Logistics, Abeer Umrah Services, Kool Design and Prime Express.

In the first semifinal, Young Star beat Kayani Cricket Club by 6 wickets. Kayani won the crucial toss and had no hesitation to bat first but could not capitalize and ended up 85-5 in 10 overs. Saudi National player Ibrar Ul Haq and Abdul Rahman bowled brilliantly in opening spell and did not allow Kayani openers to play freely. Sami Ul Rahman and Alwar Ul Haq scored 20 each, while Israr and Bilal tried to finish it in style by scoring 12 and 14, respectively, but couldn’t do much against a strong bowling attack. Abdul Rahman Amjad and Abu Huraira took one wicket each. Ibrar just conceded 6 runs in his 2 overs.

In reply, openers Syed Rizvi and captain Rafaqat started well by adding 30 runs in 2.4 overs and set the platform. Rizvi scored 37 off 14 and Rafaqat 18 off 12. Sami Ullah remained not out on 15 off 8. Bilal tried his level best to defend the low total but couldn’t get much support from other bowlers. He claimed 3 for 18 in 2 overs.

Syed Rizvi received the Man of Match award for his sparkling 37 off just 14 to set the easy chase for Young Star.

Scores:

Kayani 85-5 (Alwar Ul Haq 20 (9), Sami Ul 20 (15), Abdul Rahman 2-10). Young Star 89-4 in 7.2 overs (Syed Rizvi 37 (14), Rafaqat 18 (12), Bilal 2-18).

In a nail-biting second semifinal, Royal Fighter beat Tuskers by 10 runs and grabbed the ticket for final. Opting to bat first, Royal Fighter scored a competitive total of 126-4 in 10 overs. Tusker bowler Mazhar cleaned up Amir Mohd in first over, but Mohammed Waqas and Mohd Rafeequl steadied the innings. In the end, Amir Rahseed scored a quick 38 off 20 balls to get a fighting total for Royal Fighter. Waqas scored 28 off 17 and Rafeequl 21 off 18. Mazhar claimed 2 wickets.

In chasing, Royal bowlers brilliantly bowled in first four overs and claimed in form Batsman Badsha. At one stage Tuskers were restricted to 48-3 in 7 overs and faced huge defeat but Touseef (18 off 9) and Usman (60 off 17) started counter attacking and fought till the last ball of the innings in vain. They fell short of 10 runs. Usman remained not out on 60 off just 17 balls and claimed the fastest fifty (in 14 balls) special award. Rafeequl and Waqas got 2 wickets for Royal Fighter. Rafeequl Islam received the Player of the Match award for his impressive all-round show.

Scores:

Royal Fighter 126-4 (Amir Rasheed 38*(20), Waqas 28 (17), Mazhar 2-13). Tusker 116-5 (10) Usman 60*(17), Thouseef 18 (9), Rafeequl 2-3).

Earlier, Muhammed Asath (sales manager LeMeridian), Rahat Chowdary (umpire educator, SCC), Kumar (sales manager, Ramada), K.O. Paulson (sports editor, Saudi Gazette), Midlaj (FSN) and Abdulkarim (TMWA) met the players.