Dammam: Amaco Beats Konkan XI by One Run to Lift Challenger Trophy
Media Release
Dammam, Nov 3: In a nail baiting finish Amaco Jubail beat Kokan XI by 1 run to win the 16 overs Amaco challenger trophy 2008.
23 days of flood light cricket festival, first of this kind in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province that saw some great cricketing action came to an end with grand closing ceremony on Thursday October 30.
Last day of the tournament had 2 finals, which were 10 overs knock out and 16 overs league and Kokan XI was the team which reached to both finals.
In the First final of 10 overs between Kokan and Technical Sources, Kokan won the toss and elected to bat first. But the disciplined bowling of Technical Source able to restrict Kokan for score of 80 in allotted 10 overs. In reply, Kokan bowlers struck immediately to remove 2 quick wickets of Technical resources for just 5 runs on the board. But Naveed and Deepak batted superbly to score unbeaten 76 runs partnership to finish the target in 8.4 overs. Naveed won the Man of the Match for his unbeaten 34 runs in 23 balls and also he got awarded as best batsman in knockout round.
But it was the 2nd final of 16 overs between Amaco and Kokan which gave the perfect finishing for this spectacular tournament.
Being put into bat after losing toss, Amaco struggled infront of Kokan bowlers who looked like making up for their failure in their first final. Other than Niyaz who scored 23 balls 23 and Hafeez 21 balls 28, all other Amaco batsman failed to score big runs. They kept losing on wickets but at the end of innings a lovely cameo of 15 of 6 balls from Ashraf saw the Amaco post 108-9 in 16 overs.
In reply, disciplined bowling and attacking field placement from Amaco captain Asif made Kokan to struggle for each run. They were able to score just 36 in the first 8 overs. But Kokan batsman Rasheed was the man who stood in between Amaco and victory by playing some sensible cricket mixed with attack which made Amaco fielders feel the pressure by dropping him on a crucial juncture. The advantage swung repeatedly between two teams during this course of match. Kokan needed24 runs in 3 overs managed to score 17 in 2 overs and needed just 7 runs in final over. In brave decision Captain Asif chose Tanzeel who was expensive in his previous 2 overs to bowl the last over. Thanzeel kept his cool and deliverd 3 balls for just 3 runs and got a wicket in his 4th delivery which made the equation to 2 balls 4 runs required. Rasheed was beaten in fifth delivery and in last ball needing 4 runs to victory they managed to get two due to miss fielding from deep mid on fielder but unable to complete their 3rd run where Rasheed fell short of the crease in non striker end.
It was a bad day for Kokan by losing both finals but Amaco supporters celebrated their victory.
There was a huge crowd and lot of entertainment on final day of this tournament. Between 2 finals talent show for kids were conducted where kids sung, dance and participated in some other sports. Spectators also got some “lucky winner” prizes for their gathering.
Mehtab Alam personnel manager of Dywidag was the chief guest on the evening.
Balochi Musthaq, principal Prince Mohttesiam school, Ifthikar Ahmed- coordinator of KWA Riyadh, Kamal Jubail, Anwar Jubail, Farooq Portpolio, Das Poojari of Mangalore IX & Moin of Classic was also present on the dais.
It was Ashraf from Amaco who stole the show with his energetic commentary and attractively hosting the closing ceremony.
Final result was as follows;
10 overs knockout match:
Winners : Technical source
Runner Up : Kokan XI
Man of the match Naveed
Best batsmen Naveed
Best bowler kashif
Man of the series Muzzafaer B
Highest sixes Talib
16 overs league match:
Winners : Amaco Jubail
Runner UP : Kokan XI
Man of the match Rashid from kokan IX
Best Batsmen Rashid - Kokan
Best Bowler Khaizer- Dywidag
Man of the Series Niyaz - Amaco
Fastest fifty Niyaz - Amaco
Highest sixes Althaf - Amaco
Best fielder Riyaz - Dywidag
Best Keeper Niyaz - Amaco