RIYADH — Youm Al-Watani Cup 2015 went out of the Kingdom as Dream India Saudi Gems emerged champion in the third Youm Al-Watani Championship. In an electrifying final played last Friday, the Indian franchise defeated AR Sports Dammam Fighters by 2 runs on the last ball of the tournament. The biggest softball cricket tournament of Saudi Arabia was organized by GK International Indian Sports Club (GKIISC). This is the first tournament played under Saudi Softball Federation and supported by Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC). It is played as part of the celebration of Kingdom's National Day (Youm Al-Watani). Dream India captain Ehsan won the toss and elected to bat. Opener Baber gave a solid foundation with 93 (40 ball — 4x2, 6x11) along with Arfath (35 — 20, 4x1, 6x2). They took the score to 133 in the first 10 overs. After drinks break, Dammam Fighters came back taking wickets at regular intervals. Imran's 55 (19 — 4x1, 6x7) by lusty hitting in the last overs took the total to 233-8 in the stipulated 20 overs which at one stage looked impossible. Imran Khan (2-49) and Hashim (2-31) were the main wicket-takers for Dammam Fighters. Dammam Fighters lost opener Javid on the first ball. Sayeed (30 — 15, 6x4), Azam (62 — 36, 4x1, 6x7) and Mustafa (45 — 28-4x7) lifted the score to 123-2 at the halfway mark. Like in the Deam India's innings, the Dammam Fighters also started losing wickets at regular intervals in the second session but was in the chase all the time. Imran Khan (39 — 20-4x2, 6x4) brought his team within a stroke of victory. The game was wide open with 9 runs needed off the last over. A single and a four on the first 4 balls of the 20th over bowled by Amir made the equation more pulsating. Imran going for an impossible second run was run out, leaving the team needing 3 runs off the last ball. But Amir bowled Nassar and made his team the champion. Amir and Zakir picked up four wickets each. Amir was declared the Star of the Day and Baber the Player of the Match. Captain Ehsan received the prestigious winner's cup, cheered by a large gathering of supporters and cricket aficionados and dignitaries. The cup was presented by the Director and Supervisor of Friendi Mobile, Badr Al-Tayab. While receiving the cup the winning captain described it as the best final he has played and his dream of winning this cup for his team was fulfilled after a 3-year wait. Abdul Rahman Saleem presented the runner-up cup to AR Sports Dammam Fighters captain Sarfaraz. Despite losing the game narrowly, he praised the professional standard of the tournament and the tense final.
