By Abdulrehman Merchant

JEDDAH — Pepsi Deccan Knights clinched the Ace Travel Super T20 Cup comfortably beating Malik XI in the final by 97 runs. The event was sponsored by Ace Travel and Tours and organized by Jeddah Cricket Association (JCA).

The tournament was played on round robin league with 8 teams divided into 2 groups. Both finalists had suffered defeats in their group matches.

Pepsi Deccan Knight openers Kashif and Afroz got off to a cautious start, not allowing bowlers to dominate. They picked ones and twos and occasional boundaries to put on 51 runs for the opening wicket in 6 overs before Afroz (37) was dismissed. Kashif was joined by Bilal Mughal and they launched their fusillade immediately with some breath-taking stroke-play putting on 152 for the second wicket. Kashif was the dominating partner as he flogged the bowlers with scintillating shots to reach century in 40 balls. He remained unbeaten on 121 off 52 balls with 13 fours and 6 sixes. Bilal gave him admirable support scoring a superb 65 off 28 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes. After Bilal’s departure, Kashif and Mazhar (18), continued the tempo to put on 57 in quick time. Pepsi Deccan Knights ended up at 260-3 in 20 overs.

In reply, Malik XI batsmen could not withstand the quality bowling of Pepsi Deccan Knights with both openers dismissed cheaply at 36-2. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals and the team was tottering at 106-9 with only Bilal Butt (23) and Shani (22) reaching double figures as Adnan (3 for 19), Bilal (3 for 49), Farooq (2 for 30) and Israr (2 for 11) were almost unplayable. It was only the long handle of Abid (49) who faced the barrage with courage blasted 7 fours and 2 sixes. Along with Abrar he took their team to a respectable 163.

Scores: Pepsi Deccan Knights 260-3 (Kashif 121 not out, Bilal Mughal 65, Afroz 37, Azam 2 for 35). Malik XI 163 (Abid 49, Bilal Butt 23, Shani 22, Adnan 3 for 19 Bilal 3 for 49, Farrok 2 for 30, and Israr 2 for 11).

After the match, the prize distribution ceremony was held at the ground. Executive Secretary Ahmmed Bin Mafooz thanked Ace Travel & Tours 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 first time. Haroon thanked all those who contributed — executive committee members, logistics team, umpires, scorers — toward the success of this League.

Shamshad Khan thanked JCA for giving Ace Travel & Tours the opportunity to sponsor Super League for the first time and appreciated the organizational capabilities and skills of JCA in conducting such tournaments over past decade under the leadership of Late Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary. He assured JCA of Ace management continued support for the upcoming Saudi Cup and also for future events. Shamshad and Yaseen then distributed the trophies.

Winner — Pepsi Deccan Knights; runner-up — Malik XI; Best Batsman — Zeeshan Shani of Malik XI (283 runs); Best Bowler — Adnan of Pepsi Deccan Knights (13 wickets); Best All-Rounder — Bilal Mughal of Pepsi Deccan Knights (11 wickets, 250 runs); Man of Final — Kashif Shafeeq 121 not out.