By Rustam Ali

RIYADH — Riyadh Zalmi and Raavi emerged champions in Hayer League and Diriyah League, respectively, of the SAIB T20 Tournament, organized by Riyadh Cricket Association (RCA) and sponsored by Saudi Arabian Investment Bank.

Dominant Riyadh Zalmi defeated Sawat Tigers in the final. Batting first, Swat Tigers scored a below par total of 132-8. Abdullah made 27, while Tauheed and Israr resisted with 21 and 18, respectively. Adnan was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets for 11 runs. Shoaib and Sohail got 1 wicket each.

In reply, despite losing Rana for a duck, Riyadh Zalmi got to the target in the 12th over without any further damage. Rizwan and Imran scored unbeaten fifties making 72 and 55, respectively. Adnan was declared the Man of the Match.

Earlier, Riyadh Zalmi won the semifinal against Green Bangla by 10 wickets. Bangla amassed 228 for 6. Anwer scored 57, Badal 51 and Zakir 47. Shoaib, Sailesh and Kashif bagged 2 wickets each. Zalmi reached the target in 17.1 overs. Openers Rizwan Niazi Imran Rana smashed unbeaten centuries. Niazi scored 105 and Rana 105. Imran Rana was adjudged the Man of the Match.

In the other semifinal, Swat Tigers thumped Pak Riderz by 102 runs. Tigers accumulated a mammoth 276 for 5. Shahzad slogged 97, Israr 68 and Umar 42. Pervez claimed 3 wickets. Riderz got all out for 174. Danish belted 46 and Ali 29. Tarik and Saeed grabbed 2 wickets each. Shehzad was declared the Man of the Match.

Explosive Abu Baker helped Raavi win title of Diriyah League. Abu Baker scored back-to-back centuries in both semifinal and final. In the final, Raavi triumphed over Khyber Zalmi by 9 wickets. Khyber was all out for 189. Manzoor smacked 48, Shah Zaib 40 and Sanaullah 35. Shahbaz snared 3 wickets. Fizan and Furqan sealed 2 wickets each. Raavi chased down the target in 15.1 overs. Abu Baker slammed an unbeaten 139 off 59 balls and Tanveer supported with 36. Abu Baker earned the Man of the Match award.

Raavi knocked down Karachi Kings by 125 runs in the semifinals. Raavi piled up 286 for 3. Abu Baker showed his class making 160, while Zia scored 75. Imran grabbed 2 wickets. Kings were restricted to 161 in 16.1 overs. Afzal and Ali fought with 56 and 42, respectively. Osman claimed 5 for 28. Shahfiq got 3 wickets. Abu Baker was declared the Man of the Match.

Khyber Zalmi won the second semifinal against Knight Hawks. Batting first, Khyber posted 204 for 5. Shahzeb top scored with 82 and Haider nicked 32. Rashid grabbed 2 wickets. In reply, Hawks fumbled to just 112. Amit (35) and Uzair (21) resisted with the bat. Asfandyar, Sajid and Faisal took 2 wickets each. Shahzeb was declared the Man of the Match.

Picture Attached:

Picture 01. Abu Bakr 160 & 139 runs

Picture 02. Rizwan Khan 105 & 72 runs

Picture 03. Rana Imran 104 runs

Picture 04. Shahzeb 82 runs

Picture 05. Riyadh Zalmi Team - Champions of Hayer League

Picture 06. Raavi Team - Champions of Diriyah League