Mona Rahman JEDDAH — Pakistan International School Jeddah, English Section, (PISJ-ES) remained unbeaten by beating Pakistan International School Jeddah (PISJ) Aziziyah in the final and bagged the championship in the U-19 Inter-School Cricket Tournament which was sponsored by Johnson Control and Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC). The championship was organized by Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA). PISJ Aziziyah elected to bat and piled up 156 runs in the allotted overs. The openers Mudassir and Shahbaz were off to a fine start as they posted a magnificent 64 runs. But after their exit, the batsmen who followed struggled. However, Saqlain and Sultan tried to steady the team by making 37 and 23, respectively. But Saleh Ahmed and Shuaib bowled brilliantly to take 2 wickets each. PISJ-ES suffered a jolt in reply as one of its openers Salman was bowled for just one run. But Anas Malik joined skipper Furqan and recorded a 60-run partnership. After Anas and Furqan headed back to the pavilion, the match became a tense affair as PISJ-ES lost wickets. However, Habib and Saleh Ahmed showed excellent fighting spirit. When just 15 runs were needed PISJ-ES lost Habib. But Saleh Ahmed steered the team to bag the U-19 Johnson Control Cup. Saleh Ahmed, who made 45, was declared the Man-of-the-Match. Kifayat Ali and Imran officiated the match, while Naushad made a running commentary. In the closing ceremony, chief guest Farrukh Shahbaz of Johnson Controls awarded the prizes along with WPCA officers Sohail Shah, Chaudhry Shafique, Khalil Dawood and Hamid Rasheed. The following special awards were given for outstanding performance. Man-of-the-Match (final) — Saleh Ahmed (45 runs and 2 wickets); Man-of-the-Semifinals — Hisham (36 runs) and Furqan Farrukh (82 runs); Best Batsman — Anas Malik (203 runs); Best Bowler — Saleh Ahmed (12 wickets). DPS Al-Falah School was ranked third in this tournament. The PISJ-ES Principal and Pakistan Senator, Sehar Kamran, congratulated the team for its excellent victory. She also appreciated the efforts of Hamid Rasheed and Shafeeq.
