RIYADH — The third round matches of RCA MoneyGram Cricket Ke Badshah Tournament witnessed a number of close encounters here. In the 40-over Al-Kharaj League, Sama Steel defeated CKK by 14 runs. Batting first, Sama Steel posted 340. CKK's Basit picked up 3 wickets, while Noman, Saud and Kifayat bagged 2 wickets each. In reply, CKK was restricted to 326. Ali Shahid smashed 123, Sami 43 and Sajid 40. Lahore Badshah lost to Shuraim by 146 runs. Shuraim scored 347 with Rizwan hitting an unbeaten 131, Sanaullah 52 and Saleem 44. Lahore Badshah was bowled out for 201. Rizwan grabbed 3 wickets, while Saleem, Shahnawaz and Waseem took 2 each. In T20 Hayer League, Riyadh Royals cruised to 2-run win over L'usine CC. Riyadh Royals piled up 220 for 7, thanks to a brilliant knock of 102 by Irshad and 60 by Tasadak. Ali Malik picked up 2 wickets. L'usine fought hard but fell short by 2 runs. Rustam top scored with 72 and Adil managed 38. Majid and Irshad shared 3 wickets each. Bhera Tigers were downed by TBCC by 5 wickets. Bhera Tigers put on 165. Adrees (38) and Adnan (31) were the main scorers. Anish, Shameem and Hakeem took 2 wickets each. TBCC was home in the 18th over. Faisal scored 48 and Anish 36. Pasban humbled Thales by 7 wickets. Thales etched 157 in their quota of overs. Murad picked up 4 wickets, including a hat trick. Pasban reached 158 in 17.4 overs. Aftab with 59 and Sulaiman with 34 took their team home. Howee CC beat Kashmir Strikers by 3 wickets. Kashmir Strikers scored 171 for the loss of 7 wickets. Khurram top scored with 58 and Ishfaq managed 34. Salman grabbed 2 wickets. Howee reached the target in 19.1 overs as Aijaz hit 46. Irfan picked 3 wickets, while Mushtaq and Khurram bagged 2 each. Indian Strikers edged Professor's XI by 16 runs. Indian Strikers racked up 209 for 6. Aneesh hit 59 and Mithun 42. Badar took 3 wickets and Ali 2. Professor's XI could manage only 193. Sajad smashed 71 and Baloch 37. Anees and Sunil took 2 wickets each. In another close encounter, White Star CC lost to Grundfos by 2 runs. Grundfos posted 171. Fahim and Saad took 3 wickets each, while Faisal got 2. White Star was all out for 169. Talal top scored with 50 and Zain mustered 30. Aisco CC thrashed Kingdom Warriors by 3 wickets. Kingdom Warriors posted 110 as Hussain top-scored with 33. Israr took 3 wickets, while Shahid and Amjad took 2 each. Aisco scored the required target in 16.1 overs. Shehzad smashed 61. Kamran and Adil bagged 2 wickets each. Rawdah Heats lost to Tigers by 7 runs. Tigers made 186-6. Kamran hit 51 and Arham 48. Atif picked up 3 wickets and Umer 2. Rawdah Heats were bundled out for 179. Abdulrahman scored 48 and Atif 41. Upol and Salish took 2 wickets each. The tournament is organized by Riyadh Cricket Association (RCA) and sponsored by MoneyGram under the auspices of Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC). — SG
