JEDDAH — Jeddah cricketers hammered their Jazan counterparts by 119 runs in a match organized by Jeddah Cricket Association (JCA) and sponsored by My Care & Hala and UT Lines on the occasion of the 85th Saudi National Day here recently. Opting to bat first JCA scored 259-9 in 20 overs against JPCL (Jazan Premier Cricket League). JCA lost its top batsmen cheaply, but Shahbaz Rasheed, vice captain, held up one end scoring singles and doubles along with skipper Parvez Khan. They added 133 for the fifth wicket. Parvez added 31 off 20 balls as Shahbaz went on to score 137 off 64 balls. He hit 10 sixes and a dozen boundaries in his match-winning innings. Sami Khan (42 not out off 14 balls) and Shahbaz added 80 runs for the 6th wicket. Khawar Abbasi took 2-62, Amjad 1-32, Kaleem Ullah 1-34 and Khusro 1-35. In reply, JPCL slumped to 140-9 in its quota of overs. Khawar Khan was the top scorer with 46 off 27 balls (3 fours and 2 sixes). Zeeshan remained unbeaten on 21, Misbah 15, Anwar Ullah 12. Left-arm spinner Faheem Pasha claimed 4-36, Sami Khan 2-18, Qamar Abbas 1-6, while Adnan Liaqat and Abdul Waheed took a wicket each for 14 and 20, respectively. Muhammad Iqbal, CEO of JCA, welcomed the guests and the participating teams at a prize distribution ceremony after the match. He promised a return visit to Jazan in winter. JCA president Aijaz Ahmed Khan and vice president Hamid Rana congratulated both the teams for showing sportsman spirit. Jaan Mohammad praised the hospitality shown by the host and thanked Hala Cricket Academy for giving the visiting players an opportunity to practice at their facilities. JCA captain was awarded the winner's trophy, while the runner-up cup was handed to JPCL skipper. Medals were also given to participating players. Shahbaz Rasheed of JCA won the Man of the Match honors, while Faheem Pasha of JCA was named the Best Bowler. Service awards were given to match referee Atta Ur Rehman, and umpires Fazal Ansari and Mohammad Saleem. JPCL president gave plaques of appreciation to Sameer Nidal Khan and Hamid Rana for their services to cricket in Saudi Arabia. Khind Electronics gave away performance awards. — SG
