RIYADH — Aamir Holidays recorded its first victory in Youm Al-Watani Cup (YWC-16) by beating GK Stars by 45 runs. After losing its first game it was a fine comeback for Aamir Holidays. Playing with a new combination the team batted well after winning the toss against GK Stars and earned valuable points to stay in the tournament. YWC-16 is jointly organized by Riyadh Cricket Association Ground (RCA) and GKIISC under the auspices of Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC). Youm Al-Watani Cup (YWC) is played every year as part of Kingdom's National Day (Youm Al-Watani) celebration. In the third game of YWC-16 also the batsmen held the upper hand with centuries from either side. Irfan Mushtaq batted well and scored 144 (72 balls, 4x23, 4x6) supported by Shams 62 (36), Rustam 35 (4x4, 6x1) and captain Samiullah 31 (25). Aamir Holidays thus put on a big total of 379-9 in the allotted 40 overs. GK Stars, which got a wild-card entry into the tournament as sponsor's team, tried its level best in bowling and fielding against a formidable side. Abu Baker claimed 3-56, Usman 2-47 and Nawaz 2-50 were the main wicket-takers for GK Stars. Chasing the target GK Star's batsmen put up a fine show keeping the chase alive till the 30th over. Unfortunate run-outs of set batsmen changed the course of the game. At the 30-over mark, GK Stars was comfortably placed with 7 wickets in hand and requiring a run rate of around 10. After the early loss of Nawaz and Hamza, opener Waqar 82 (59) and Abu Baker 109 (62) played well for the third wicket producing a century partnership. First Abu Baker and then Waquar fell by Mujahid's run outs. It changed the scenario completely. Ihsan blasted 41 off 18 balls but the experience of Aamir Holidays proved too good as it bundled out GK Stars for 334 in 37 overs. Captain Samiullah took 3-56 and Abid Saeed 3-55. Irfan Mushtaq was named the Player of the Match. Najeeb Asghar and Sajid Nawaz were the official umpires of the game. Friday's matches: Match 4 — CKK vs. Riyadh Aces at RCA 9 at 7:15 a.m. Match 5 — Lahore Badshah vs. Pakistan Falcons at RCA 10 at 7:15 a.m.
