JEDDAH — Makkah Eagles will take on the might of Saudi Oil in the final of Ace Travel Saudi T20 Cup, sponsored by Ace Travel and organized by Jeddah Cricket Association. In the first semifinal Saudi Oil eliminated Pak Zalmi comfortably by 48 runs while in second semifinal Makkah Eagles knocked off Shawahid Tech in a close encounter by 2 wickets.
Saudi Oil started badly losing couple of early wickets to the sharp bowling of Saeed (4 for 28) and Fida (2 for 34), however middle order batsmen Asim (40) and Saddam (45) gave a spirited fightback to take them to 174 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
In reply Pak Zalmi too started on the wrong foot, losing wickets at regular interval to the bowling trio of Ateeq (4 for 22), Khalid (2 for 21) and Hasam (2 for 36), however Zia (36) played a gritty knock at one end while wickets fell at the other end and were bundled out for 126 in 17.3 as Saudi Oil wrapped up the innings to win by 48 runs and enter the final against Makkah Eagles.
Shaan Mansoor 56 (21 balls 7 4s, 2 6s) batted aggressively along with Bilal (29) to help Shawahid put up a fighting score, but some good bowling in tandem by Malik Ijaz (3 for 20), Farook (2 for 23) and Makki Nawaz (2 for 31) restricted Shawahid to 159 all out in 18.3 overs.
In reply Makkah Eagles batsmen Javed (41) and Farook (26NO) batted sensibly, to reach 164 for 8 in 19.1 overs to seal victory in a close encounter by 2 wickets, despite good bowling by Bilal (3 for 31) and Riyaz Afridi (2 for 31) going in vain. Makkah Eagles won the match by 2 wickets to take on Saudi Oil in the final.
Scores:
Saudi Oil beat Pak Zalmi by 48 Runs
Saudi Oil 174 for 8 20 overs (Asim 40, Saddam 45, Ateeq 29, Fida 2 for 34, Saeed 4 for 28). Pak Zalmi 126 (Zia 36, Saeed 19, Ateeq 4 for 22, Khalid 2 for 21, Hassam 2 for 36).
Makkah Eagles beat Shawahid by 2 Wickets
Shawahid 159 all out (Shaan 56, Bilal Khan 29, Malik Ijaz 3 for 20, Farook 2 for 23, Makki Nawaz 2 for 31). Makkah Eagles 164 for 8 19.1 overs (Javed 41, Farook 26NO, Bilal Khan 3 for 31, Riyaz Afridi 2 for 31). — SG
