Hempel Paints snatch colorful victory

JEDDAH, 11 January — Jeddah Cricket League tournament sponsored by Kanoo Group, in the second division witnessed eight matches, in the sixth week.

In an exciting match Hempel Paints restricted Talha Optics to win by 26 runs. Saudia City handed a nine wickets drubbing to Tamgo Pirelli.

KAIA bundle out Nestle Milo for 31 run triumph. Afkar Promo 7 went on a run riot for a 46 run win over Team DDB and Saudi Perfume narrowly avoided defeat by registering a 1 wicket success.

At the Hempel Paints ground Captain Arif Hashmy called correct at the spin of the coin and led his team from the front, firstly by hitting an unbeaten 52 and then claiming three wickets to humble Talha Optics. Munib Hasan and Khusroo (29) opened the innings to put on a quickfire 43 runs when Munib was run out. Arif Hashmy coming one down guided the innings for the team to achieve 146 for 3 in the allotted 18 overs. In reply, Talha Optics top order batsmen, fell victim to fiery spell of Abid (3 for 23).

The middle order was sent back to the pavilion by Arif (3 for 16), and Amjad Hasan rapped up the tail (2 for 13). Naved (20) and Saeed (21) were the only batsmen who offered some resistance, but Talha Optics could only manage to score 120 for the loss of 9 wickets, to concede a 26 run win to Hempel Paints.

At the Juffali ground, Tamgo Pirelli won the toss and elected to bat. Opener M. Khaleel (45) and one down batsman Altaf (32) batted well to see their team reach a total of 132 for 3 in the allotted 18 overs.

In reply, Saudi City opener and veteran batsman Nasim Khan tore apart Tamgo Pirelli bowling attack to hammer 71 runs in just 39 balls which had eleven hits to the fence. He was well supported by Amir Saeed (30). In 13 overs and with the fall of just one wicket Saudi City reached the target making 134 and recorded a thumping 9 wicket triumph.

At the Nestle Milo ground, hosts Nestle Milo were humbled by KAIA. Batting first, KAIA made a modest total of 127 for 3 in the allotted 18 overs. After loosing 3 wickets cheaply it was left to Akhter (46 n.o.) and Muqeet (26 n.o.) to build there teams total. Zahid took 2 wickets for 25.

In reply, Nestle Milo were bowled out for 96. Opener Omar (21) and one down batsman Saeed (28) batted well but after their departure the rest of the batsmen made a beeline to the pavilion. Three run outs and bowling figures of Muqeet 2 for 16, Zafar 2 for 25 and Mir Saifullah 2 for 8, led to the collapse of Nestle Milo batting and a 31 run emphatic win for KAIA.

At the Attar ground, Afkar Promo 7 and Team DDB faced each other. Electing to bat Afkar Promo 7 openers Alzcco (63) and Parveez (62) provided a sound start with a 124 run opening partnership. In the middle order Nasim hammered 45 runs and the team piled up 226 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

Nadeem 2 for 47 and Usman 2 for 46 were successful with the ball. Facing a daunting task to score at more than 11 runs per over Team DDB tried to make a match of it. Hammad (24) and Taher (45) gave a good start.

In the middle order N. Osman (22) and Abbas (42) kept the run chase, but they could only manage 182 for 9 and let Afkar Promo 7 walk away with an impressive 46 run win. Nabil 2 for 33 and Majid 2 for 24 were the main wicket-takers.

At the Kanoo ground, it was a nail-biting finish between Saudi Perfume and Sado Zai and Saudi perfume scraped past to win by a whisker. Batting first Sado Zai made 138 for 8 in the allotted 18 overs. Qasim (28) and Ramzan (41) were the chief run getters. Arif took 4 wickets and Atef took 2. Behind the stumps Abdul Jabbar showed agility to have four batsmen stumped. In reply Saudi Perfume scrambled home with 3 balls to spare and one wicket in hand. Abedi (20), Sajid (33 n.o.) and Atef Bhat (26) helped their team reach 139 for 9. Ramzan took 3 for 21 and Ateeq 2 for 15.