Deccan Knights clinched the 3rd Muhammad Iqbal Memorial (MIM) Cup beating ACES in a rain-affected final match. The event is being played in honor and memory of JCA Late CEO Muhammed Iqbal Choudhary, the man who ruled hearts of cricketers for 38 years, and is organized by Jeddah Cricket Association under the auspices of Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation. Winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Deccan Knights openers Najeeb and Afroz got off to a good start putting on 47 for 1st wicket before Afroz was dismissed for 23 (4 4s) of 15 balls and was soon followed by prolific scorer Bilal Mughal, who was dismissed first ball, reducing them to 57 for 2 in 5 overs. Sajjad joined in and continued at the same pace batting brilliantly scoring 49 of 36 balls inclusive of 7 fours before being dismissed. Bilal Ahmed hit a quickfire 36 with 4 fours and 2 sixes of 16 balls. Najeeb batted patiently at one end before opening out to remain unbeaten with solid 69 of 49 balls inclusive of 4 fours and 2 sixes. Zeeshan picked up 2 wickets while Shad, Ajaz and Bilal chipped in with a wicket each. Deccan Knights ended up with a fighting total of 207 for 5 in 20 overs. In reply, ACES got off to a brisk start but soon started losing wickets. Rain clouds started gathering and the minimum overs needed to force a result was 8 overs. Rain got heavier and when ACES were 79 for 4 in 8.3 overs, the match was called off. It was unfortunate for the final match to have ended pre-maturely, however at that stage ACES needed to score 89 to be ahead but they were 10 runs short at 79 for 4 and Deccan Knights were declared Winners of the 3rd MIM Cup by 9 runs. Deccan Knights beat ACES by 9 runs Deccan Knights 207 for 5 20 overs Najeeb 69 NO (49b), Afroz 23, Sajjad 49 (36b), Bilal 36 (16b). ACES 79 for 4 8.3 overs Mathin 24, Shad 17, Bilal 16, Abdul Qadeer 2 for 24, Bilal Ahmed 1 for 24, Bilal Hassan 1 for 3. — SG
