JAZAN — Dhaka Cricket Club, Ahmad Cricket Club and Pak Saudi Oger came out on top on a historic day when Jazan Premier Cricket League (JPCL) came into being. Seven cricket clubs — Super Asia, Dhaka Cricket Club, Al-Rahsid, Pak Saudi Oger, Al-Ahmad, Deccan Chargers and Power of Deccan — in the region joined hands to form JPCL. The league plans to launch a comprehensive cricket promotion campaign in Jazan and its surrounding areas under the slogan of “Cricket for All”. It plans to offer competitive cricket throughout the year to its member clubs and arrange recreational cricket-related activities for local and neighboring community. The inaugural ceremony was organized at Dhaka Cricket Ground where Ameer Sherwani opened the T20 tournament by playing a few balls at the newly laid cement wicket. Representatives of all the seven cricket clubs were present on the occasion. In the first match, Dhaka Cricket Club defeated Power of Deccan by 7 wickets. Taking the first strike, Power of Deccan scored 139 for 8. Saju hit 3 sixes and 6 fours for his quick-fire 78. Sameer contributed 25, while Riyaz and Jalil seized two wickets each. Dhaka, in reply, raced to the target in the 14th over as Ismail and Muneer put on a partnership of 90 off 9 overs. Ismail added a brisk 64, while Muneer supported with 42. Rashid grabbed 2-25 and Arshad took 1-28. In another match, Ahmad Cricket Club thrashed Al-Rashid by 68 runs. Batting first, Ahmed CC posted 171 in 20 overs. Khalid Mahmood was the top scorer with 55. He smashed four sixes and five fours off 30 balls. Shahbaz Khan and Aqeel Gujar added 25 and 30, respectively. Khusroo Khan took 3-28 and Tariq Khan 2-35. In reply, Al-Rashid was bundled out for 103. The only resistance came from Misbah Khan (26) and Faqeer Mohammad (25). Abdul Shakoor and Rehan of Ahmad Cricket Club snatched 3 wickets each. In the last match of the day, Pak Saudi Oger strolled to rigorous victory against Deccan Chargers. Deccan Chargers posted 118 for 7 as Mudassir (15) and Shahid (25) made useful contributions. Rehman remained unbeaten on 35. Sajjad claimed 4 wickets for 20. Pak Saudi Oger overhauled the total in 12 overs as Shemaz hammered 45, Zahid 22 and Shahzad 18. Hussain, Azam, Mustafa and Shahid claimed a wicket each. — SG
