By Saoud Shaikh, Jeddah
Jeddah, May 17: The grand finale of JF Jeddah cricket tournament concluded recently at Al Baghdadiya floodlight ground with a befitting final match between well-known brawny cricket teams of Jeddah Elaaf Hotel and MCC11, with Elaaf Hotel vanquishing MCC11 by 18 runs.
Superb all round performance from the Elaaf Hotel team saw it win Jeddah’s presitigious tournament, hosted by Jamiyyatul Falah Jeddah unit, a frontline NGO represented by the people of Mangalore and Udupi districts of Karnataka.
"Cricket is a gentleman's game and one who plays with a perfect team work wins the match. Today we lost the game but I am happy to see our friends who won title," said by Mohammed Saleem, captain of MCC 11 which lost the final match, scoring 85/5 in 12 overs, in reply to Elaaf Hotel's 102/9 in 12 overs. Elaaf Hotel won the toss and elected to bat first.
Prior to this in the semi-final matches Elaaf Hotel beat Jeddah Warriors by 9 wickets, chasing a score of 98/8, while MCC11 bowled out Mangalore Warriors for 60 runs after putting up a score of 135/4.
In a vibrant presentation ceremony organized by JF Jeddah unit, the members of both the teams were honoured and presented individual participation cups by Mohammed Arif and Iqbal Mirza, vice-presidents, JF Jeddah unit. Man of the match title was awarded by S M Jafer, senior member of JF Jeddah unit to Khuram of Elaaf Hotel team for his all round performance that saw him scoring a quick-fire 40 runs which included 5 sixes in just 14 balls, bowling figures of 1/ 23 and a catch.
Man of the series was awarded by co-sponsor of the tournament Iqbal Mirza of Fuji Film to Faisal from Elaaf Hotel team for his total 68 runs, 8/63 bowling figure and two match-winning catches in the first round and semi-final matches. Best batsman of the tournament was awarded by co-sponsor Rajesh from Panasonic to Zahid from Target 11 team for his high scores in the tournament with 114 and 45 runs in the first and second round matches, including 22 sixes and 6 fours. Best bowler of the tournament titel was awarded by co sponsor Nawaz from Bin Zagar Co to Gazanfer of MCC11 team for his figures of wickets 7/20 with a best of 3/23 in the tournament.
Chief guest of the event Iqbal Yusuf, founder member of Jamiyyatul Falah and Ali from Elaaf Hotels awarded the winner's cup to Elaaf Hotel while JF Jeddah president Habib Rahaman awarded runner-up cup to MCC11. The magnificent closing ceremony began with a recitation from the the Quran by S M Jafer and secretary of JF Jeddah. Mohammed Saheb proposed the vote of thanks. Mohammed Mansoor, the team leader of the organizing committee compiled the programme.
The sponsors of the event were:
Basem International Shipping and Logistics Co, Binzagr Co, Intermodel Freight Services, Alofi Freight World, MSC Shipping Co, Gulf West, Intermodel Services For Medical, Al Rashedi Computers and Telecommunications, KNRI Forum Jeddah, Iqbal Mirza from Fuiji Films, Master Trading Est, Rainbow Juices, C System, India Gate Restaurant, Rajesh from Panosonic, Ibrahim Bandadi, Naushad from Fast Link, Siraj Kazi and Imthiyaz Ahmed.