PISR scores thrilling win over IISR to clinch RCA under-15 trophy

Riyadh: Arab News

Pakistan International School (Urdu Section) Riyadh lifted the coveted RCA U-15 tournament beating International Indian School Riyadh (IISR) by one wicket in breathtaking final here at RCA-3 grounds.
Winning the toss and electing to bat IISR started badly losing both their openers Amer Raza and Abdul Rahman in quick succession. One down Nabeel (11) along Mukul Chikara (29) and Abdul Hafeez (36 not out) steadied IISR innings. IISR scored modest 144 for 7 in their allotted over’s. Waleed and Faisal took 2 wickets each for PISR. Chasing a reasonable score PISR lost their star batsman Faisal very early to the off spin of Nabeel.
Waleed (17) along with one down batsman Matiullah (26) batted solidly to take PISR closer to the target. However, IISR bowlers Nabeel, Mazen, Abdul Hafeez and Ahsan bowled their heart out and PISR wickets fell at regular intervals and at one stage they were staring defeat. At this stage Jamshed took charge and scored a quick (36).
The match fluctuated from one end to another and in the 19th over PISR romped home losing 9 wickets. Nabeel, Abdul Hafeez and Ahsan bowled beautifully and bagged 2 wickets each for IISR.
Both the teams displayed fighting spirit and this gripping match watched by large crowd including parents, school principal and others.
Earlier in the semifinal IISR aided by their prolific batsman Mukul Chikara’s fine 85, Abdul Hafeez 47 n.o. and Yahya’s patient 34 piled a mammoth 209 in their allotted over’s against Delhi Public School (DPS). In reply DPS scored 160 for 7 in their allotted over’s. Rohit batted well and scored 70 runs for DPS.
Faiz and Abdul Hafeez took 2 wickets each for IISR. In another semifinal PISR got the better of MEIS at RCA-4 ground. Batting first assisted by swashbuckling 130 by Faisal and well supported by Jamshed 21 and Matiullah 23 PISR scored 223 in their allotted over’s. In reply Jamshed’s hat trick destroyed MEIS and guided PISR to easy victory.
In another development, RCA under the auspices of SCC conducted 3-day Elementary Umpiring Course in Riyadh as one of the Cricket development program for KSA during the year 2012. This course is vital and a step forward for obtaining Level-1 and advance courses in Umpiring.
RCA President Qadeer Mirza and Senior Vice President Nasir Ali Khan made it sure that not only RCA umpires but at least two players from all affiliated clubs of RCA attend the course. The course was divided into three parts — Duties of Umpires, permeable and cricket laws. Course was flawlessly and perfectly conducted with picture and slides by Kazi Khalil and Hamed Rana from SCC. In all 24 umpires and players of different RCA affiliated clubs attended the course and gained high-quality knowledge of cricketing rules.