Eastern Province Cricket Association (EPCA) has commenced Prince Faisal T20 Cup this week sponsored by Saudi Cricket Center (SCC). The 30-member clubs, which are taking part in the championship, are divided into 4 groups. After the preliminary league matches, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals. Group A: Al-Majdouie, Al-Tuwairqi Whites, Harley Davidson, Kashmir XI, Khalifa Al-Hilal, Khobar Badshahs, Rani Floaters and Team Ignition. Group B: AGE, Asia XI, Bin Delamah Yorkers, Kanoo, Rising Stars, SST Dolphins, Team Arabia and Young Stars. Group C: Al-Suwaidi Vikings, DHL, Friends XI, Imran Tigers Academy, Nawab Tigers, Samco and Young Guns. Group D: AHQ's Team Abbasi, Al-Tuwairiqi Greens, Ashes, Emtiazat Internationals, Evicco Imran's Tigers, Inat Lions and SST Blues. In the first encounter, Khobar Badshah tallied 219-3 in 20 overs against Team Ignition as Mohammed Faraz hit 70, Ali Iftikahr 43 and Ali Rizwan 29. M. Sameen took 2-26. In reply, Team Ignition could only muster 142-7, losing the match by 77 runs. M. Sameen made 55 while Ali Iftikhar took 3-25 and Danish Irfan 2-23. Al-Tuwairiqi Whites, batting against Khalifa Hilal, piled up 210 in 20 overs and Khalifa Al-Hilal responded with 189. Harley Davidson plundered 211-9 against Kashmir XI as Mohammed Munir and Mohammed Omer made 28 each and Mohammed Asif 25. Tajamal grabbed 4-29 and M. Osman 2-26. Kashmir XI responded with 150-7. Rani Floaters hit 184 off 18 overs against Al-Majdouie which could manage only 149. SST Dolphins defeated Rising Stars by 4 wickets. SST Dolphins achieved the winning target of 147-6 with M. Umair making 60, K. Haziq 28 and M. Talha 27. Shan Ali took 2-21. Earlier, Rising Stars scored 146-9 through Ali Raza 29 and M. Wali 28. M. Fahad took 2-26. Kanoo amassed 236-4 in 20 overs against AGE Steels as Salman Butt smashed a magnificent 101 off just 46 only balls while Abdul Naheed scored 46 and C. Munawwar 44. AGE Steel could make only 183-6. M. Shehzad smashed 78 and M. Khalil 23. M. Salman took 4-21. Other results: Team Arabia racked up 204-6 against Young Stars who were all out for 151, Asia XI, batting first, made 159 against Bin Delamah Yorkers who replied with 162-8, Al-Suwaidi Vikings lost to Imran Tigers Academy by 65 runs, Samco defeated DHL by 5 wickets, Young Guns lost to Nawab Tigers by 9 wickets.
