Composed Kerry Packers supreme

JEDDAH: In do-or-die clash of two titans who both have at least one eye on the big title, the infallible quality on UPL facility was a spectator’s dream. Kerry Packers took their final gamble, and it was a mesmerizing one as they remarkably hit back with the ball to clinch the title by beating Elaf Gold by 22 runs.
Elaf Gold, unquestionably an equal side, must endure all the “clogs of war’’ as they were in pursuit of a simple 52. If Elaf had sought to descend Kerry Packers they would have targeted them with their batting strength. Instead, Kerry Packer’s pacemen made the pursuit harder as the batsmen were never in control to stay up with asking run rate.
The inspiring show, ornamented with massive fireworks and colorful arrangements, was staged by United Premier League to accomplish the eminent Elaf Super-7 tournament here in Jeddah. Delighting their fans with exclusive preparations, UPL showed its ability to organize the big events. The Elaf management including Mahfooz Hussain CFO, Hassan Raouf, general manager Elaf Jeddah Hotel, Shoaib bin Mahfooz, vice president HR and Ehtisham Waris, director operations graced the occasion to watch the exciting matches.
Kerry Packer was put into bat by Elaf Gold on a windy-night, which favored fast bowling. Things started poorly as Kerry Packers lost Sami Khan for 10 runs caught by Adnan through a momentous delivery of Qamar Abbas. In continuation, Zahid (14) became the victim of an excellent throw of Adnan while bracing a close run and Kerry Packer was faltering at 27 for 2. Captain Abdul Wahid tested his skills by taking charge after an indifferent start of Kerry Packer to post a respectable 52 in five overs. He drove well off either foot and clubbed 2 sixes into the crowd scoring 20 quick runs with Samiullah who carved 11 at the other end.
Chasing 52 at an average of 10.4 runs per over, Elaf Gold made a dreadful start. They lost their captain Adnan when the total score was 9 on the board. Some disciplined bowling and attacking fielding rattled the middle order as batsmen departed in quick succession. Only Qamar Abbas (7) stayed on to prevent a rapid collapse. The innings was wrapped up for 30. Thanks to some good bowling performances by Ali who snatched 2-4 and Zaheer who took 2-5.
Earlier in the semifinals, Elaf Gold had their moments as they comprehensively beat Rising Star in the first semifinal. In the second semifinal Kerry Packers beat Elaf Red by 4 wickets.
Senior umpire Kumar earned the honor of standing in both the semifinals and final with his colleague Habib who is a member of UPL Elite panel of umpires. Ataur Rehman, one of the senior ACC Level-1 umpires and in-charge of umpiring panel, supervised the entire event.
Hassan Rouf, guest of honor congratulated both the finalists and assured Elaf’s cooperation in future as well. He was thankful to the management of United Premier League for their untiring efforts to promote the game in western region.
The award giving ceremony was held after the conclusion of the match where chief guest Mahfooz Hussain CFO, Elaf, presented winning award to Abdul Wahid, captain of Kerry Packer while the runners-up trophy was presented to Adnan of Elaf Gold. The awards of appreciation were also presented to Mahfooz Hussain, CFO Elaf and Hassan Raouf, General Manager Elaf Jeddah Hotel.
Other prizes: Man of the Final: Ali of Kerry Packer, Best Batsman: Abdul Wahid of Kerry Packer, Best bowler: Mujahid of Al Max and the Player of the Tournament: Abdul Wahid of Kerry Packer.