P A Hameed Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network- Riyadh

Riyadh, Apr 29: Friends Padubidri Riyadh (FPR) won the glittering 'City Max Trophy-2013' by trampling the incessant cricket giant Seven Star Mulky (SSM) in the cricket playoff held recently in the City Max Ground on Exit 18 near Sulai in Riyadh-Saudi Arabia. The tourney was wholly sponsored and organized by the massive department store, City Max Riyadh.

The final match was conducted between Seven Star v/s Friends Padubidri Riyadh that has demonstrated a exciting glitz in the ground. After winning the toss, SSM selected to bat first by giving a chance FPR to field. Although it was a tough take-off for FPR initially, it showed an excellent performance and stimulating move in the mid of the match both in the fielding and batting.

A compatible partnership between Imran and Shamshu (SSM batsmen), who scored 29 and 37 respectively,  had showed a winning signal at one point. However, sharp fielding and astute  batting displayed by the FPR became a stumbling block to SSM and brought them to victory in the end. Eventually, SSM gained 102 runs in the 12 overs, giving a do-or-die chants to its opponent.

Now, it was FPR turn to bat. They jumped into the ground with a high raising spirit to chase the target set by SSM. Manchu & Rasheed were the opening batsmen to get to the pitch. Their unparalleled cooperation in taking a control of, and hitting the ball in the arena have boosted up the team’s morale to the high level. However, Manchu’s misjudgment at certain point made him a sudden exit from the arena with only 7 runs credited to his account. Though his leaving sent a jumpy sign amongst the FPR players, the entry of Asif Padubidri re-energized the total strength of the team. Asif showed his groundbreaking and reverse batting technique that was a big challenge for SSM. He scored 37 runs with three huge sixes, which received a big round of applause from the spectators. In the last 18 balls, FPR needed 44 runs, which made them to wobble severely. With the help of middle order batsman Manzoor and Zaheer and their hitting of one huge six and two boundaries brought them to the winning target and to be triumphant to clinch the trophy.

Man of the Match: Rasheed Kundapura (FPR)
Man of the Series and  Best Batsman:     Shafi (SSM)
 
Prior to this final playoff, the first semi final was held between Sevens Star Mulki v/s Tazneem Riyadh and the second semi final was between Uchila Friends v/s Friends Padubidri Riyadh.
 
The grand finale was followed by a presentation ceremony.   Abdullaha, Obaid and Ahmed were the guests on the dais. All the participated cricket teams, winners and runners, umpires, supporters and audience were given appreciation and thanks.