Mehran lift RCA Shield title

RIYADH, 11 November — Mehran shocked Saudia Milk in a thrilling final to lift the Shield Cup in the RCA 20 overs warm-up tournament at RCA-1 ground here on Friday.

Meanwhile, at the RCA-2 ground, Friends easily beat Pak-Shaheen to win the Plate final.

Batting first, Saudia Milk scored a non-too-impressive 164 in the stipulated 20 overs. Chasing the target Mehran managed to score the required runs with three balls to spare. Shahjahan was declared man-of-the-match for his brilliant 34 runs and fantastic wicketkeeping.

At RCA-2 ground, Friends halted Pak-Shaheen’s run-scoring spree and clinched the plate final. After bundling out Pak-Shaheen cheaply for 142, they scored the required runs in 13 overs. Saif-ur-Rehman topscored with a fine 82 and was later declared man-of-the-match.

In the Shield semifinals held during the morning session, Mehran overcame new entrants Indo-Pak by 39 runs. M. Owais was declared man-of-the-match for his fine innings of 32 runs and four wickets, while Saudia Milk beat SAMBA by five wieckts.

Arif Mahmood made un unbeaten 58 and was later named man-of-the-match. In Plate semifinals, Friends whipped Saudi Ericsson by 64 runs while Pak-Shaheen demolished Saqib XI by a whopping margin of 158 runs.

Batting first, Friends managed 174 in allotted 20 overs. Owais Ahmad was chosen man-of-the-match for his all-round performance. He made an unbeaten 84 and later took four wickets.

Imran of Pak-Shaheen played a dazzling knock of 181 runs with 17 hits to the fence and 11 over it. He was declared man-of-the-match for his splendid knock. Kareem Khan of Pak-Shaheen performed the only hat trick of the tournament. He bowled only 0.3 overs took 3 wickets without conceding any run.

After the finals, the prize distribution function was held on the ground. S.A. Ziauddin, vice president Int’l. Banking Division, Sausi Hollandi Bank and Javed Akhtar, sports editor, Arab News and M. Ghazanfar Ali Khan of Arab News Riyadh Bureau, were guests of honor.

Speaking on the occasion S.A. Ziauddin reiterated his and Saudi Hollandi Bank’s keen interest in promoting sports activities in the Kingdom. Javed Akhtar in his address assured full support and cooperation in promoting and publishing RCA news in Arab News.

Asif Saleem, RCA senior vice president, in his address gave details of the tournament and Qadeer Mirza, RCA president thanked Saudi Hollandi Bank and Arab News for ceaseless support to RCA.

Nasir Ali Khan PRO RCA thanked all teams and players for their excellent cooperation and sportsmanship.

Before the function, a minute’s silence was observed to pray for the father of Shafi Qureshi, RCA committee member, who died recently.

The following prizes were awarded by RCA for this tournament. Best Batsman — Khalid Mahmood, Saudia Milk, Best Bowler — Khawar Hussain, Al-Eid XI, Best All-rounder — Suresh Indo-Pak, Best wicketkeeper — Kashif Mazhar Khan, Carrier and Player of the Tournament — Abdul Wahab Khan, Pak-Shaheen. Also, special prizes were awarded to Kareem Khan Rana Muneer, Latafat, Rashid Mirza and Rehan Khan for their outstanding performances in this tournament.

Saudi Hollandi Bank will sponsor the 40 overs tournament after Ramadan and RCA will hold "Iftar Party" on Nov. 26.