By Rustam Ali
RIYADH — AR Sports, VIP Holidays and Baloch Fighters emerged champions of AMEX T20 Tournament in their respective leagues. In the finals, AR Sports defeated Pak Force, VIP Holidays won against Thales and Baloch Fighters humbled Indian Strikers.
AMEX tournament was organized by Riyadh Cricket Association (RCA) and sponsored by American Express Saudi Arabia.
Huraymala League
AR Sports won against Pak Force in a one-sided game. Pak Force won the toss and elected to bat first. In-form opener Kashif got out for just 6 but Mohsin (55), Fayaz (88) and Mudasir (24) helped Pak Force to a decent total of 197-3. Rehman and Ahmed took 1 wicket each.
AR Sports chased down the target in just 13.1 overs. Adnan got out for 20. Khawar carried his form to the final making 52 off just 20 balls. Abdul Aziz played the most dominating innings of the tournament. He smashed an unbeaten 120 from just 41 balls with 18 boundaries and 4 sixes. Kashif picked up the only wicket that fell. Abdul Aziz Ahmed was declared the Man of the Match.
Hayer League
VIP Holidays defeated Thales in a thrilling encounter. VIP Holidays posted a massive total of 220-3. Top three batsmen Shams, Talseen and Saifullah scored 24, 14 and 17 runs, respectively. Irfan Sarfraz played a stunning unbeaten knock of 126 off 63 balls with 15 fours and 2 sixes. Mudasir helped with 27. Qader picked up 2 wickets and Habib got 1.
Thales opener Sheeraz provided the required start hitting 114 off 61 balls. Tabrez (27), Najmul (39) and Aziz (12) also batted well but Thales managed 215 in the allotted 20 overs. Arslan Noor was the pick of the bowlers who claimed 4 for 27. Imran and Saeed claimed 1 wicket each. Irfan Sarfaz was named the Man of the Match.
Diriyah League
Baloch Fighters registered a thumping victory over Indian Strikers in the final. After being asked to bat first, Baloch Fighters tallied 182-9. Farhan Mughal stroked 67 and Abu Baker 47. Sajid (13) and Shahid (12) also contributed well. Anees and Fenil grabbed 3 wickets each, Asraf got 2.
Chasing a relatively easy target, Indians started a little too defensive. Sunil (49 off 45), Kannan (22 off 22) and Junis (10 off 12) increased the required run rate toward the end. Despite some good power hitting from Prashant (38 off 26) and Mithun’s 12-ball 28, Indian Strikers managed 153-5. Sajid and Farhad grabbed 2 wickets each, while Sajjad got 1. Farhan Mughal earned the Man of the Match award.