JEDDAH — International Indian School Riyadh (IISR) emerged champion in the Under-16 Cluster Cricket Tournament, hosted by New Al-Wurood International School Jeddah at JCA complex in Usfan, here recently. IISR defeated International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) by 44 runs in the final of the championship, organized for the CBSE-affiliated Indian schools in the Kingdom. Top teams from zonal tournaments — IISJ, IISR, New Middle East International School Riyadh, IIS Dammam — and host New Al-Wurood International School Jeddah took part in the final round. The matches were conducted on a 16-over-a-side basis. The first two matches were won by IISR and IISJ over New Middle East International and IISD, respectively. The next day, IIS Riyadh won against New Middle East International (NMEI). However, NMEI managed a victory over New Al-Wurood. In the first semifinal, IISJ beat NMEI by seven wick¬ets. Batting first, NMEI posted 107-5. IISJ reached the victory target in 13 overs for the loss of 3 wickets. Batting first in the second semifinal, IISR amassed 190-2 against IISD. Later, IISR bowlers ran through the IISD batting lineup and bowled it out for 75. IISR scored 144-2 in the final and restricted IISJ to 100-6. The chief guest of the closing ceremony was Rahamathullah, CBSE Saudi chapter convener. Guests of honor JCA President Mohammad Iqbal, Aijaz Ahmed Khan and Mirza Qudrath Baig also graced the ceremony. The following players won the best performance award: Mukul Chikkara (IISR) — top scorer; Safwan (IISR) —leading wicket-taker and Mohammed Akefeen (IISR) — Man of the Tournament. Earlier, New Al-Wurood Vice Principal Dr. Firoz Mulla welcomed the gathering and also conveyed the message from Principal Sreedevi Menon. The three-day event came to an end when Olippil Niyas, headmaster, New Al-Wurood, proposed a vote of thanks. — SG
