By A.A. Merchant JEDDAH — Al-Burj lifted the 25th Kanoo Premier League T20 Cup comfortably beating Saudi Oil in the final by 6 wickets. This is the Silver Jubilee year that Kanoo Premier League is sponsored by Yusuf Ahmed Bin Kanoo Group and organized by Jeddah Cricket Association (JCA). After 11 weeks of exciting league and knockout matches, the atmosphere was charged up for the grand 25th final of the Kanoo Premier League with the best two teams clashing for the coveted Silver Jubilee Kanoo Cup. After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, defending champion Saudi Oil lost openers Hasnain and Zia in quick succession, but Mohsin (25) and Osama (54) batted sensibly to tackle the hostile attack of Al-Burj bowlers and put on a partnership of 66 runs. Later, Ateeq Mansha (23) and Ameeq Mansha (32 not out) propped up the lower order to give some respectability to the total by posting 190-6. Haider (2 for 18), Zeeshan (1 for 19) and Bilal (1 for 29) bowled well to restrict them to within 200. Al-Burj got off to an aggressive start as Atta Muskan and Zeeshan put on 70 for the opening wicket in 5 overs before Atta (33) was dismissed and Zeeshan (36) followed soon. Bilal was joined by Khalid (19) and they continued the aggressive tempo with some breath-taking strokes putting on 34 for the third wicket. Bilal dominated as he clubbed the bowlers at will with superb shots to reach his half century and was ably supported by Adeel (12 not out). The two batsmen put on 64 runs in quick time. Al-Burj reached 194 for 4 as Bilal remained unbeaten on 68 off 38 balls, inclusive of 5 fours and 3 sixes. Ateeq was the only bowler to command respect as he took 2 for 25 and Shahid picked up 1 for 28. Al-Burj lifted the coveted Kanoo Cup with 4.3 overs to spare. Scores: Al-Burj beat Saudi Oil by 6 wickets. Saudi Oil 190-6 in 20 overs (Osama 54, Ameeq 32 not out, Ateeq 23, Haider 2 for 18, Bilal 1 for 29 Zeeshan 1 for 19). Al-Burj 194 for 4 in 15.3 overs (Bilal 68, Atta 33, Zeeshan 36 Ateeq 2 for 25 and Shahid 1 for 28). Performance awards: Man of the Final — Bilal of Al-Burj (68 not out); Best Batsman — Bilal of Al-Burj (452 runs); Best Bowler — Adnan of KAIA (22 wickets); Best All-rounder — Atta Muskan of Al-Burj (343 runs and 11 wickets).
