JEDDAH — Saudi Oil lifted the Ace Travel Saudi Cup comfortably beating Makkah Eagles in the final by 71 runs. Ace Travel Saudi League sponsored by Ace Travel and Tours and organized by Jeddah Cricket Association, was played on round robin league with 14 teams divided into 2 Groups, top 4 teams in each Group playing the knockout.

Saudi Oil openers Shehzad and Asim got off to a cautious start, not allowing bowlers to dominate, they picked ones and twos with occasional boundaries. After departure of Asim earlier Mohsin joined Shehzad and the duo put on 93 runs for the 2nd wicket before Mohsin (44) was dismissed. Shehzad, dominated all through as he flogged the bowlers with scintillating shots all round to reach his century and ended with 111 runs of 49 balls inclusive of 18 fours and 4 sixes. Fine bowling spell by Makki Nawaz 4 for 33 and Zaffar 3 for 40 restricted Saudi Oil to 212 all out in 18.5 overs

In reply Makkah Eagles batsmen facing a target of 213 could not withstand the quality bowling of Saudi Oil as wickets fell at regular intervals and were tottering at 113 for 9 with Tauseef claiming a hat-trick (4 for 23), and with support from Shahid (3 for 25) and Khalid (2 for 28). It was only the long handle of Zaffar (21 – 2 fours, 1 six) who faced the barrage with courage to take their team to a respectable score of 141 runs. Saudi Oil deserving won the one sided final by 71 runs to lift the Ace Travel Saudi Cup.

After the match, prize distribution ceremony was held, A. A. Merchant thanked Ace Travel management in general and Ashfaq Aleem – general manager, and Shamshad Khan — finance director, for their continued support to JCA activities as part of the Corporate Social Responsibilities. He welcomed. Yaseen Shareef – regional manager, who came to JCA Complex for the second time. He also had a word of thanks for all those who contributed — executive committee members, logistics team, umpires, scorers — towards the success of this league.

Shamshad Khan thanked JCA for giving Ace Travel the opportunity to sponsor Saudi Cup and appreciated the organizational capabilities and skills of JCA in conducting such tournaments over past decade to ensure its success. He assured Ace Travel management’s continued support for upcoming for future events. Shamshad and Yaseen then distributed Ace Travel Saudi Cup to Winner, Runner-up team and to players for their outstanding performances.

Earlier JCA Chairman Dr. Faiz Al Abideen heartily welcomed Shamshad Khan and Yassin Shareef of Ace Management and appreciate their support to JCA for the past 11 years in sponsoring JCA activities, which has enabled JCA to sustain its cricket program for its cricketers and looked forward to their continued support in future events.

He also extended greetings to all for the advent of the holy month of Ramadan and exuded confidence that it will bring peace and tranquility to all the Muslim community. JCA President Aijaz Ahmed Khan congratulated Winner Saudi Oil and Runner-up Makkah Eagles and stressed that although one team wins and one loses, it is cricket which wins. He thanked the ground management team led by Haroon Abdullah, the umpires, scorers and other executive committee members who toiled throughout the league to make it a success.

Winners: Saudi Oil; Runner-up: Makkah Eagles; Best Batsman: Zaid Razaq of CH XI (362 runs); Best Bowler: Makki Nawaz of Makkah Eagles (16 wickets); Player of the League: Atta Muskan of Al Burj (447 runs, 11 wickets); Man of Final: Mohammad Shehzad 111 runs.

Saudi Oil 212 all out 18.5 overs (Shehzad 111, Mohsin 44, Makki 4 for 33, Zaffar 3 for 40). Makkah Eagles 141 all out 16.5 overs (Malik Ijaz 29, Zaffar 21, Tauseef 4 for 23, Shahid 3 for 25). — SG