JEDDAH — The 26th Kanoo Premier League T20 kicked off in style with opening week matches at the JCA Complex. Fourteen teams play each other each other in a round robin format, with top 4 teams qualifying for the play-offs to decide the winner and runner-up.

Al Burj, ARM United, Butt Sports, CH XI, Chinar Sports, Jeddah Gladiators, Kashmir Stags, Pak Zalmi, Pepsi Deccan Knights and Royal Jurana were in the fray in the opening round. Kanoo Premier league is sponsored by Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group and organized under the auspices of Jeddah Cricket Association.

ARM United won their opener by 8 runs courtesy Majid’s unbeaten 89, with Majid (84) and Wakil (56) of Kashmir Stags knock ending up on the losing side after a tremendous fightback. Pak Zalmi comfortably beat Al Burj by 6 wickets on the back of Abid’s all round show — aggressive 76 off 43 balls and 1 wicket for 20 runs, with Mohsin (69) valiant knock going in vain. Royal Jurana thumped CH XI by 8 wickets thanks to unbeaten knocks by Mansoor (36) and Aleem (32), while Nasir (65) fighting knock ended up on losing side.

Scores

ARM United beat Kashmir Stags by 8 runs

ARM United 212 for 5 20 overs — Majid 89NO (44b), Hafeez 40NO, Danish 3 for 36. Kashmir Stags 204 for 5 20 overs — Majid 84 (39b), Wakeel 56 (39b), Shani 2 for 21.

Pak Zalmi beat Al Burj by 6 wickets

Al Burj 174 for 6 18 overs — Mohsin 69 (37b), Usman 25, Asad 3 for 27. Pak Zalmi 175 for 4 15.4 overs — Abid 76 (43b), Khalid 23.

Royal Jurana beat CH XI by 8 wickets

CH XI 148 for 7 18 over — Nasir 65 (43b), Muzammil 2 for 21. Royal Jurana 149 for 2 14.4 overs — Manzoor 36NO, Aleem 32NO.

Player of the Week Abid of Pak Zalmi – 76 runs and 1 for 20. — SG