JEDDAH — Center System Group lifted Ace Travel Saudi Cup comfortably beating Butt Sports in an exciting encounter by 6 wickets with 7 balls to spare in final of Ace Travel Saudi Cup sponsored by Ace Travel and organized by Jeddah Cricket Association, under auspices of Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation. The event was played on round robin league-cum-knockout with 16 teams divided into 2 Groups, top 8 teams vying for the coveted Saudi Cup.

Deciding to bat first on winning the toss Butt Sports lost opener Zamaan (0) in the first over followed by Irfan (6), Samir (3), Abdul Rahman (14), Junaid (3) and Hasnain (10) and were reeling at 75 for 6, however Tusif Ashraf (40 of 21b, 3 sixes, 2 fours) and Zeeshan (55 of 30b, 5 sixes, 2 fours) played attractive innings before being out thereby enabling Butt Sports reach respectable tally of 149 all out.

Furqan and Rizwan with 2 wickets for 31 and 8 runs respectively and wicket each for Khalid, Waqas and Jahangeer, while 3 were run out.

In reply CSG started briskly but soon lost Waqas (12), thereafter Jahangeer and Ali Hassan ensured no further hiccups as the two batted sensibly to lay the foundation before Jahangeer (56) was dismissed followed by Irshad (4). Furqan (20) gave company to Hasan before he was scalped by Tusif, however skipper Abdul Malik (4NO) finished the game along with Hasan (34NO).

Zaman, Abdul Rahman, Irfan and Tusif picked up a wicket each but the target was easy and CSG finally reached it with ease in 19.1 overs to end at 151 for 4, a comfortable 6 wickets win to clinch the 14th Ace Travel Saudi Cup, their 2nd second consecutive title.

At the prize distribution ceremony A. A. Merchant welcomed Chief Guest Shamshad Khan – Finance Director of Ace Travel at the final. He thanked Ace Travel management particularly General Manager Ashfaq Aleem and Regioinal Manager Yassin Al Shareef for their continued support to JCA for last 14 years as part of Ace Travel Group’s Corporate Social Responsibilities.

He also thanked executive committee members, logistics and support services team, umpires, scorers, who worked selflessly and with dedication throughout the league to make it a success.

Shamshad thanked JCA for giving Ace Travel the opportunity to sponsor the Saudi Cup; appreciating the organizational skills and capabilities of JCA in conducting such tournaments over the past decade to ensure its success along with the extensive and prompt media coverage of weekly matches throughout the 3 months event period.

Shamshad was very upbeat about development for cricket with Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) recent announcement of their plan to continue Regional Cricket Championship in all areas of the Kingdom, to be followed by National Championship.

He assured Ace Travel management’s continued support for upcoming future events. He congratulated Winner’s Center Systems Group, Runner’s-up Butt Sports and then presented the Ace Travel Saudi Cups to the respective winning captains and best performances awards to the players.

Winners: Center System Group; Runner-up: Butt Sports.

Best Batsman: Owais of ARM United – 421 runs.

Best Bowler: Mohammed Rizwan of CSG – 18 wickets.

Player of the League: Mohsin Raja of ICAD – 307 runs and 15 wickets.

Man of Final: Mohammed Jahangeer 56 runs.

Summarized Scores

Butt Sports 149 all out 20 overs Zeeshan 55, Tusif 40, Rizwan 2 for 8, Furqan 2 for 31. Center System Group 151 for 4 19.1 overs Jahangeer 56, Hasan (34NO), Furqan (20). — SG