JEDDAH — Malik XI lifted the Summer League Cup comfortably beating Al Burj in the finals by 27 runs. JCA Summer League, sponsored and organized by Jeddah Cricket Association, was played on round robin basis amongst 12 teams divided into 3 Groups, with top 2 teams from each group and 2 wild card teams playing the knockout to decide the winner and runner-up

In the final Malik XI openers Shani and Aamir Wahla got off to a brisk start, not allowing the bowlers to dominate. Shani (49) dominated as he flogged the bowlers with scintillating shots all round the ground and ended with 49 off 23 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes), and Aamir giving him good support, as the two put on 72 runs for opening wicket.

After the departure of Shani, Fida (41) joined Aamir and the two played sensibly to put on 54 runs for the 3rd wicket before Aamir (38) was dismissed. Fine bowling spell by Haider (2 for 34) and Illyas (2 for 17) restricted Malik XI to 163 for 5 in 16 overs.

In reply, Al Burj batsmen facing a target of 164 could not withstand the quality bowling of Malik XI as wickets fell at regular intervals and they were soon tottering at 64 for 5, thanks to Adnan (2 for 31) and Usman (2 for 18) who bowled accurately in tandem.

It was only the long handle of Khalid 29 (3 fours & 1 six) and Usman 31NO (2 fours & 1 six) who faced the barrage with courage to take them to a respectable score of 136 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 16 overs. Malik XI deservingly won the final by 27 runs to lift the JCA Summer Cup.

After the match, prize distribution ceremony was held, President Aijaz Khan congratulated Malik XI (winner) and Al Burj (runners-up) and stressed that although one team wins and one loses, it is cricket that wins.

He thanked the participating team members for playing in such unbearable heat. He also praised the efforts of JCA executive committee led by Haroon Abdulla for the organization of the league and arrangement for final. He thanked the ground management team, umpires, scorers and others who toiled throughout the league to make it a success.

Aijaz then distributed JCA Summer League Cup to winner, runners-up team and to players for their outstanding performances.

Malik XI — 163 for 5 16 overs (Shani 49, Aamir Wahla 38, Haider 2 for 34, Illyas 2 for 17). Al Burj — 136 for 7 16 overs (Khalid 29, Usman 31NO, Adnan 2 for 31, Usman 2 for 18).

Winners: Malik XI; Runners-up: Al Burj; Best Batsman: Waqas of Al Burj; Best Bowler: Usman of Malik XI; Player of the League: Aamir Wahla of Malik XI; Man of Final: Shani of Malik XI 49 runs. — SG