Daijiworld Media Network - Sharjah (SP)

Sharjah, May 14:  Arab Udupi Uncle Safety, aided by a fine all-round performance by Naeemuddin Aslam, won the Sri Lanka Independence Day Cup 2009, defeating Zahira Maroons by four runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium under floodlights.

The tournament, organized by Zahira College Colombo Old Boys’ Association, saw 16 teams battle it out for the top honours. It was sponsored by Digital Connection Computer ( Digicom) with Solanki Group and Rufi Real Estate being the associate sponsors.

Arab Udupi Uncle Safety, batting first in the final, scored an impressive 46 for four in the allotted five with Naeemuddin Aslam smashing 15 and Prashant Braggs contributing 11. Amal Peries took one wicket for 13 runs.

Zahira Maroons, in reply, staged a tremendous fight-back, but fell short of their intended target by just four runs. Niresh Fernando (14) and Indika Sampath (11) were the main scorers in the face of a disciplined Arab Udupi attack that was led by Aslam (two for 14) and Syed Maqsood (two for 4). Aslam was named Man of the Final for this all-round showing.

K Hemantha,  labour consul at Sri Lankan  embassy, presented the prizes on behalf of the Sri Lankan ambassador in the UAE.

Mazhar Khan, administrator of Emirates Cricket Board, and K. Nizardeen, vice-president, Al Hilal Bank, Abu Dhabi, were also present during the presentation ceremony.

Attractive trophies were presented to the top players. There were also individual prizes for the leading players, umpires and scorers. A Gafoor of Al Manal Development CC was declared the Best Fielder of the tournament while Indika Sampath of Zahira Maroons was adjudged the Best Batsman and the Player of the Tournament.

Sialkot Stallions Blues won the losers Final by beating Al Manal Development CC. 

Brief scores (final):

Arab Udupi Uncle Safety beat Zahira Maroons by four runs: Arab Udupi Uncle Safety  46 for four in five overs (Naeemuddin Aslam  15, Prashant Braggs  11; Amal Peries  1-13) Zahira Maroons 42 for five wickets in five overs (Niresh Fernando  14, Indika Sampath 11; Naeemuddin Aslam   2-14, Syed Maqsood  2-4). Man of the final: Naemuddin Aslam of Arab Udupi Uncle Safety. Umpires: Fidel Jaary and Farid Malik.