JEDDAH — Pak Zalmi crushed CSG by 10 wickets in the final to lift the 27th Kanoo Cup, sponsored by Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo and organized by Jeddah Cricket Association under auspices of Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF). In the final Pak Zalmi bundled out CSG for a paltry 63 runs and then knocked off the runs 66 for no loss in 7.4 overs to win by 10 wickets in what turned out to be a one-sided affair and lowest total in a JCA final.

Batting first after winning the toss, CSG got off to a disastrous start losing 2 wickets for 3 runs in the first over and 16 for 3 by end of second over as Saeed bowled a superb fiery spell taking 3 for 7 runs in 2.1 overs. Thereafter Adnan Ayub and Usman Butt the 2 main batsmen for CSG steadied the ship to take it to 34 for 3.

At that stage Qasim came on to bowl and wrapped up the innings with a deadly spell taking 4 for 15 and was well supported by Najeeb (2 for 18) to bundle out CSG for a paltry 63 runs in 13.1 overs — lowest total in a JCA final. CSG batsmen except Adnan Ayub (34) just could not tackle the pace and spin of Pak Zalmi bowlers.

In reply, Pak Zalmi openers Qasim (34) capping up a fine all-round performance to take Man of the Final award and along with Abid (31) knocked off the target in 7.4 overs scoring 66 for no loss to register the biggest win in a JCA Final and lift the coveted Kanoo Cup — their first title in JCA.

After the match, prize distribution ceremony was held with Chief Guest Mohammed Ali Kaleem of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo, representing Ahmed Fawzi Kanoo — regional director of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Western Province. He appreciated organizational skills of JCA Executive Committee and excellent arrangements made by them for the final at JCA Complex comprising 10 grounds in Usfan 75 kms away from Jeddah.

He conveyed Ahmed Kanoo’s best wishes to JCA for instilling a spirit of sportsmanship in the youth by organizing such sporting activities consistently year after year and assured them of Kanoo managements support in future also. He congratulated Winner Pak Zalmi and Runner up CSG and handed over the Cups to the captains of both teams and performance awards.

Before the Kanoo Awards were presented JCA also handed out the MIM (Mohammed Iqbal Memorial Cup 2020-21 awards to Winner Deccan Knights and Runner-up ACES. The Cups were presented by Faheem Usmani – regional sales manager of Middle East Paper Company to the captains of winning and runner-up teams.

Abdul Rehman Merchant started the ceremony with recitation of holy Qur’an. He welcomed the chief guest and compered the gathering, giving brief overview of Kanoo League and Kanoo management interest in sponsoring such activities as part of Group’s Corporate Social responsibilities of supporting and encouraging sports in general and cricket in particular.

JCA thanked Kanoo management particularly Khalid Kanoo and Ahmed Fawzi Kanoo, for their solid support to JCA cricket activities by sponsoring JCA for the 27th year. Majid Siddiqui of JCA handed over plaques on behalf of JCA for Khalid Kanoo and Mr. Ahmed Fawzi Kanoo, which was received by the chief guest. — SG