Abdul Khader JEDDAH — Srilankan Malay Cricket Club (SLMCC) emerged champion of the fifth TCF-FSN 2013 Cricket Tournament here recently. In a low-scoring but nerve-racking 12-over final, which rose to the occasion with fortune fluctuating after every over while SLMCC was chasing 100 runs set by Al-Abeer KKR, the Sri Lankans held their nerves to tie the score on the last ball. As per the tournament rules, SLMCC was declared champion on losing less number of wickets. Al-Abeer KKR was all out for 99 on the last ball, whereas SLMCC had lost only six wickets. Earlier, SLMCC captain Ravi Shankar won the toss and chose to bowl first. His decision proved right as SLMCC grabbed three quick wickets and put KKR under pressure. However, Jasir's 16 runs in 9 balls with two sixes in the final moments helped KKR tally 99. Usman Amjad was the top scorer with 31 in 20 balls (3x6, 1x4). Nafeel, Darshana and Sarfras took 2 wickets each for Srilankan Malay. In reply, Srilankan Malay also lost three quick wickets, including its semifinal hero Sharfaraz in the first over. But the fourth wicket pair of Imran and Siraj steadied the innings. But KKR's Jasir took the wicket of Imran (30) to make the match an absolute thriller. SLMCC needed 8 runs in the last over. After captain Ravi Shankar (19) fell on the third ball to Jasir, Naseer and Waseem made it 99-6. Adnan and Jasir took 2 wickets each for KKR. Jasir was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match for his all-round performance. In the first semifinal, Al-Abeer KKR beat ATS by 37 runs. Maqsood of Al-Abeer KKR won the Man-of-the-Match award for his 30 runs and 2 wickets. In the second semifinal, Srilankan Malay beat Dazzle Super Kings by 6 wickets. Sharfaraz, who scored 42 (5x6) in 20 balls, was named the Man-of-the-Match. Indian Consul (Haj) Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheikh was the chief guest during the closing ceremony. FSN Divisional Manager Afsal Babu Adiraja, Al-Jouf Travels General Manager Gulam Mohammed Raffiuddin, Air Arabia Country Manager Sayeed Fahad, Al-Abeer Marketing Manager Imran, Kanoo Frieght Manager Abdul Rafeeque, Raheem P.A. from JKF, India Forum representative Omari Motani, Coca-Cola representative Ali Abu Asi and Saha Sahidi President Omar Farook also graced the ceremony. Air Arabia air tickets, Geepas, Regal Day to Day, Royal Gents, Asian Choice, Ramada, Seasons Restaurant, Holidays Restaurant, Village Restuarent and Blue Sens gifts and TCF Trophy were awarded to the winners by the guests. Special awards: Best Batsman – Usman Amjad (Al-Abeer KKR); Best Bowler – Darshana (SLMCC); Spirited Player – Nazeer (Dazzle Super Kings); Fastest hundred – Aadil (Al-Jazeera Ford); Best debut team – Eirad/UPS; Best Wicketkeeper – Sameer Ahmed Bava (Target Guys); Hitting Nokia board – Zahid (Target Guys); Man-of-the-Series – Shamsuddin Ismail (ATS); Best Fielder – Kamran (Mednet). Former Srilankan Broadcasting Corporation commentator MMM Naushad and Ajmal Nazeer delivered live commentary throughout the tournament. Rifas K.M. and Shahanad were in charge of scoring and live updates during the tournament. TCF President Anwar Sadath V.P. welcomed the guests and Abdul Faheem proposed a vote of thanks.
