Apna Ghar India Club clinches Jotun Cup

Aijaz Ahmed Khan

JEDDAH – Apna Ghar India Club (AGIC) defeated Saliheen Cricket Club by 20 runs in an exciting match to lift the Jotun Cup. The championship was sponsored by Jotun Saudia for the 3rd consecutive year and was organized by Jeddah Cricket Association (JCA).

After electing to bat first, AGIC put up 211-4. Syed A. Wasay was once again the architect of AGIC total scoring an unbeaten 92 with eight fours and a six. Zahid contributed 32 which included three fours while Haroon hit a quick fire 32 which included two fours and two sixes. Irfan, Qasim, Amer and Abdul Waheed took one wicket each for 38, 14, 25 and 44 runs respectively.

In reply, Saliheen gave a strong reply through Imran Butt who smashed a quick 50 off 26 balls while Amjad batted stylishly for his 60 off 39 deliveries with four fours and a six. Abdul Waheed chipped in with 37 with the help of two fours and a six and Irfan hit 17 off 10 balls. Saliheen lost only three wickets for 191 but it fell short by 20 runs. Sami was the most successful bowler with 2-45. Zahid took 1-27. 

Kumar Krishnan and Azam were the umpires in the final.

In the consolation cup, JPCC beat Pak Young by seven wickets.  Pak Young scored 213 as young Aman cracked an exciting 69 (11 fours, two sixes), Shabbir Khan 27 and Takdeer Khatak 32 off 13 balls. Anwar Malik claimed 3-46, Shafiq 2-39 while Saleem and Ilyas took a wicket apiece.

In reply, JPCC reached 214-3. Anwar Malik blasted his way to a match-winning score of 74 with four boundaries and four sixes, Saleem scored 36 with four fours and two sixes while Sameer made 37 with four fours and a six. Amanullah, Shabbir and Fazal Khatak claimed one wicket each.

The prize distribution function was held at the ground soon after the final. Farukh Kibria who represented the Jotun Paints Saudi Arabia on behalf of Dilip Tambe, assured the JCA officials of their support.

Awards:

Winner – Apna Ghar India Club (AGIC), runner-up – Saliheen Cricket Team, Man of the Final – Syed Wasey of AGIC, batsman with maximum runs – Syed Wasey of AGIC 519 runs at an average of 86.5, batsmen with highest average – Syed Wasey of AGIC, Tariq Siddiqui of Butt Sports, Ashfaque of Hyderabad Green, Fakhar of Pak Young, best batting performance in a match – Syed Wasey of AGIC (133 runs against KAIA), bowler with highest wickets in the tournament – Mehmood of Mazco 18-246, bowlers with best bowling averages – Mehmood of Mazco, Fazal Khan of Mazco and Zahid of Al Khulais, best bowling performance in a match – Ghouse of JPCC, best all-rounder of the tournament – Ashfaque of Hyderabad Green, best all round performance in a match – Ashfaque of Hyderabad Green, best partnerships – Abdul Rehman and Tariq Siddiqui of Butt Sports (238 runs for the first wicket against Reel & Rom), Akmal and Irshad of Al Khulais (219 for first wicket against Reel & Rom). The plaques of appreciation were given to the sponsors and the officiating umpire. Special medals were presented to two umpires Kumar Krishnan and Azam Khan.