JEDDAH — Oman Chips DSK defeated Al-Jazira Ford Royals by 5 wickets in a thrilling final to bag the TCF Jotun Champions Trophy 2016 at the packed BMT floodlit ground here recently. The eighth edition of the popular tapeball cricket tournament of the city, organized by Tellichery Cricket Forum (TCF), was mainly sponsored by Jotun and cosponsored by FSN & Al-Hokair Group, Bupa Arabia, Kool Design, Pullman Hotel & Resorts, Geepas, Arcoma, Sadafco, Pepsi, Asas Networks and Mass Computers. Chief guest Tariq Mishkhas, editor-in-chief of Urdu News and Malayalam News, gave away the trophies. Earlier, Al-Jazira Ford Royals captain Abhilash won the toss and elected to bat. The decision was proved right as openers Mohammed Shams and Bilal put on 100 runs. At the end of the 12-over innings Al-Jazira tallied a comfortable total of 132-3. Shams scored 75 with 8 sixes, while Bilal made 32. In reply, Oman Chips opener Abdul Wahid started the innings with a huge six. But soon after, he was caught and bowled by Sharjil, a Saudi national team member. In the next over, Al-Jazira produced another break, getting dangerman Malik Qamar. However, the third wicket partnership between Abu Huraira and Adnan built up the innings and steered the team comfortably. In the final overs Samiullah hit huge sixes to power Oman Chips DSK to the target in 11 overs. Abu Huraira scored 26 and Adnan 37. Samiullah who dazzled in final overs with 25 runs and took one wicket was adjudged the Man of the Final. In the first semifinal, Al-Jazira Ford Royals beat last year's runner-up EFS-KKR by 74 runs to book its berth in the TCF finals for the third time. Sharjil scored 48 in 18 balls to post 115. In reply, EFS-KKR was all out for just 41. Aqeel, who took 4 wickets with a hat trick was named the Man of the Match. In the thrilling second semifinal, Oman Chips DSK edged Target Guys for 4 runs. Opting to bat, Oman Chips' Abu Huraira-Adnan Liyaqat partnership gave the team a fighting total of 113-4. Huraira remained unbeaten on 41 and Liyaqat scored 22. Liyaqat, who scored 22 runs and took one wicket, was adjudged the Man of the Match. Top 16 cricket teams of Jeddah participated in this limited overs tournament. Guests, who graced the final and awarded the prizes, were Shygil, finance manager, Jotun; Afsal Babu Adiraja, regional manager, FSN; Aijaz Khan, president, JCA; Mohammed Hanno, finance manager, Bupa; Raaid Orkettari, brand manager, Bupa; Shamlak, marketing manager, Geepas and Mohammed Ali, managing director, Mass Computer. Trophies and gifts from Al-Hamra Sofitel Hotel, Geepas, Asas Networks and TCF were awarded to officials and players. Individual awards: Player of the Tournament - Bilal (Al-Jazira Ford Royals); Best Batsman - Waqas (Target Guys); Best Bowler - Bilal (Al Jazira Ford Royals); Top Sixer - Farsath (EFS-KKR); Top Boundary - Aamir Rashid (Young Star); Best Wicketkeeper - Abdul Sathar (Target Guys); Best Fielder - Younus Babu (Al-Jazira Ford Royals); Fastest Fifty - Aamir Rashid and Mohammed Moazam (Young Star); Hat Trick - Aqeel (Al-Jazira Ford Royals) and Jahageer (EFS-KKR); Best Catch - Mohammed Amjad (Asas Scorpions); TCF Special Service Award - Younus VP. Team awards: Young Star (Bupa Spirit of Game Award); Asas Scorpions (Best Debut Team Award). Ajmal Nazeer and Haris Abdul Hameed delivered live commentary throughout the tournament. Rifas KM, Riyaz PV and Ziyad Kedaran were in charge of scores and live updates. The awarding ceremony began with the recitation of verses frm Holy Qur'an by Mohammed Ayaan. TCF President Mohammed Faseesh welcomed the guests. Riyaz TV, Thanzeem, Razik VP, Reehan, Riyaz M, Sadik, Siraj VP, Zainul Abid and Shamseer KM managed the prize distribution. Mishkhas congratulated all the players and TCF for bringing Asian players under an umbrella. Vice President Zafeel Backer proposed a vote of thanks.
