JEDDAH — KAIA, Ittihad, Kashmir XI and Pak Young were off to a winning start in the Jotun League (Morning Division), sponsored by Jotun Saudi Arabia and organized by JCA. While KAIA and Ittihad recorded easy wins by 5 wickets and 80 runs over their respective opponents Kashmir Stags and Al-Khulais, respectively, Pak Young and Kashmir XI had to struggle before overcoming their opponents Hyderabad Green and UT Lines by 12 runs and 20 runs. KAIA beat Kashmir Stags by 5 wickets. Kashmir Stags was all out for 148. Tariq (28) and Asif (24 not out) were the only notable contributors. Ahsan (3-11) bowled with fire and was well supported by Javed (2-25), Samad (2-9) and Riaz (2-38). In reply, KAIA overtook the target comfortably, scoring 149-5. Samad was on the rampage as he scored an unbeaten 62 off 16 balls with 7 sixes and 4 fours and was well supported by Ahsan (23). The wicket-takers were Asif (2-29) and Majid (2-47). Pak Young beat Hyderabad Green by 12 runs. Pak Young put on a formidable total of 194 with Fakhar leading from the front scoring 53 off 19 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes). Nasrullah chipped in with a quick 39 off 15 balls (7 fours and a six). Ziaullah (3-44), Jameel (2-8) and Atta (2-28) bowled their hearts out. In reply, Hyderabad Green gave a befitting reply through Jameel 53 (10 fours), Sadiq (34) and Abdul Rahman (32). But unfortunately it was restricted to 182-9, falling short of the target by 12 runs. Khattak, Naeem, Riaz Afridi and Karim picked up 2 wickets each for 36, 28, 26 and 26 runs, respectively. Ittihad beat Al-Khulais by 80 runs. Ittihad sent Al-Khulais bowlers on a leather hunt as it amassed 228 with Fahad thrashing a superb 93 off 36 balls with 10 fours and 6 sixes. Giving him good support were Waheed (37 – 5 fours, 1 six) and Mahmood (26 — 15 balls, 2 sixes and 1 four). Tahir took 3-27 while Ismail, Adil and Khalil were expensive in taking 2 wickets each for 46, 56 and 41 runs, respectively. Chasing a daunting target Al-Khulais was bundled out for 148 with only Tariq (29), Yasir (38), Adil (25) and Munsif (21) batting with responsibility. The rest of the batsmen caved in to Fahad (2-12), Nasir (2-21) and Azam (2-31) and Ittihad triumphed by a massive margin of 80 runs. Kashmir X1 beat UT Lines by 20 runs. Kashmir XI ended up victorious in a high scoring match by 20 runs. Batting first, it posted 234 as Awais scored a brilliant century (105 — 48 balls, 11 fours and 6 sixes). Giving him good support were Sami (36) Aijaz (45) and Kashif (25). Noor picked up 2-27. In reply, UT Lines gave a solid reply with Yousuf notching up the second century of the match playing a more aggressive knock of 115 off 46 balls with 16 fours and 5 sixes. He did not get much support from teammates except Ali (30). Arif Butt took 4-29 to restrict UT Lines to 214-6 and give Kashmir XI an exciting win by 20 runs.
