MADINAH — A cricket festival featuring Saudi Cricket Centre, Madinah Cricket League (MCL) and Madinah Cricket Association (MCA) was staged at MCL facilities here recently. On the occasion Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC) officials inaugurated the fourth cricket ground at MCL facilities under its development plan 2013-14. Nadeem Nadwi, SCC CEO, and Sameer Nidal Khan cut the ribbon along with other officials Sadiqul Islam, Hamid Rana, Naeem Majeed and MCL executive members. Nadwi said that the ground is financed by My Care & Hala Sports Club and he appreciated Sameer Nidal Khan for his continuous support in promoting cricket. The ground was completed under the supervision of MCL Executive Member Amanat Ali and was closely monitored by Manager Operations Hamid Rana and coordinator Rahat Ali. SCC and MCA Officials' Combined-XI vs. MCL Officials and the Best Players of MCL vs. MCA entertained the crowd during the festival. Junaid Iskandar, first Saudi captain who led the senior Saudi Arabia team in ACC Middle East Cup 2004 in Kuwait, steered SCC-MCA Combined-XI to victory in an exciting encounter. SCC scored 110 in 12 overs, while MCL was restricted to 107. Rahat Ali Chaudhry and Nizar Mohammad Taiyab were instrumental in SCC-MCA's victory. First, Rahat blasted 42 in 13 balls and then when 8 runs were required in the last over, Mohammad restricted MCL with his slow left-arm deliveries grabbing 3 wickets with Hamid stumping 3. Sajjad and Irfan of MCL scored 37 and 18 runs, respectively, while Arshad Raza took 2 wickets. In the title match, MCA set 153 for victory in 16 overs. Abdulrauf contributed a brisk 48 and was well supported by Zakir Hussain (33). Rashid (27) and Waseem (17) then put MCA past 150-mark. Chasing the good score MCL came home with 3 balls to spare. Waqas hammered 51 with 7 fours and Kashif blasted a rapid 43. Bilal (16) and Hasnain (13) were the other notable run getters. Younis closed the innings with a towering six on third ball when 10 runs were required in the last over. Arshad and Imtiyaz grabbed 2 wickets each. The match was officiated by Khaleel Kazi and Sohail. In the other match, MCA batted first and made 152-4. Abdulrauf hit 48, Rashid 27, Zakir Hussain 33 and Waseem 17. MCL, chasing this huge score, was home with 3 balls to spare as Waqas made 51 with 7 fours, Kashif 43, Bilal 16 and Hasnain 13. Arshad and Imtiyaz claimed 2 wickets each. The match was umpired by Khaleel Kazi and Sohail.
