JEDDAH, 28 December — Jeddah Cricket League tournament sponsored by Kanoo Group, in the second division witnessed eight matches, in the fourth week.
Saudi Gulf Insurance (SGI) restricted Nestle Milo to gain a 52 run victory, while KAIA bundled out the Indian school lads for a partly 51 and gain an emphatic 110 run triumph. Saleheen rapped up a 39 run win by folding Tamgo innings at 107.
Al Rabie Foods and Saudi Perfume also sailed past their rivals Talha Optics and Ali Reza respectively, with comfortable ease. Sadafco and Tamer had a keenly contested match with Sadafco winning in a nail biting finish. Otis got a walkover from Sadozai.
At the Nestle Milo ground host Nestle Milo were sent on a leather hunt by SGI who hammered 187 for 5 in the allotted 18 overs, a run rate of over 10 runs per over. Openers Qamer (33) and Tariq (59) provided a sound start, Azeem (25) and A. Rab (25 n.o.) continued the good work. Nestle Milo were guilty of conceding 34 extras which perhaps cost them the match.
Omer took 3 wickets for 30. Chasing over 10 run per over was a daunting task and was made even more difficult by a fine bowling spell of Mujeeb 4 for 23 that restricted the flow of runs. Rauf (58) and Omer (30) batted well but the team could only score 135 for 5, falling 52 runs short of target and a comfortable win for SGI.
At the KAIA ground host KAIA called correct at the spin of the coin and elected to bat against IISJ. KAIA lost both their openers cheaply and were reeling at 5 for 2. The batsmen that followed steadied the innings and KAIA registered a sound total of 161 for 6 in the allotted 20 overs. Akhtar (24), Abrar (42), Khalid (35 n.o.) and Mazaher (30 n.o.) were the chief scorers.
Faisal 2 for 19 and Mujahid 2 for 36 were amongst the wickets. In reply the IISJ batting collapsed, batsmen came and left the crease with out any resistance falling victim to some fine bowling of Muqeet 4 for 14, Akhtar 3 for 16 and Azeem 2 wickets without conceding any runs. IISJ were bowled out for 51 and a 110 run conquest by KAIA.
At the Hempel Paints ground Saleheen easily overcame the opposition from Tamgo. Batting first Saleheen scored 146 for 5 in the allotted 18 overs. Razaq (52), M. Arif (28) and Shami (32) were the main scorers. Mahmoud claimed two wickets for 23. In Reply Tamgo batsmen made a beeline to the pavilion especially after the loss of the opener Faisal (35) who was holding the innings but had to retire.
Four batsmen were out for duck, and Tamgo innings collapsed at 107. Sumesh took 4 wickets for 26 and Azmath took 2 wickets in the two balls he bowled at the end. Giving Salaheen a notable 39 run win.
At the Hempel Paints ground Al Rabie Foods defeated Talha Optics. Al Rabie food batted first and made 144 for 8 in the allotted 18 overs. Hamdi (24), Rohan (29) and Wasantha (33) contributed towards the score. Rais took 4 wickets for 12 runs.
Talha Optics was bowled out for 118. Navid (46) was the only batsman to offer some resistance. Rohan 2 for 21, Hamdi 3 for 23 and Suranga 4 for 25 were responsible for the demise of Talha Optics innings. And a 26 run win for Al Rabie Foods.
At the Zuhair Zahran ground Ali Reza lost to Saudi Perfume. Batting first Saudi perfume made 182 for 5 with a 128 opening wicket partnership between Abid Mohiuddin (68) and Wahaj (51). Raza took 2 wickets for 22 runs. In reply Ali Reza was restricted to 112 for 9 only Raza (28) stayed at the wicket for some time. Wahaj took 2 for 21 and Arif 3 for 5. A comfortable 71 runs win by Saudi Perfume.
At the Eskan 3 ground Sadafco won over Tamer by 4 wickets reaching the target with just four balls to go. Batting first Tamer made 164 for 7 in the allotted 18 overs. Anwar (20), Noor (24), Salim Patel (34) and Osman (26) were the main run getters. Shahed 2 for 31 and Hussain Anwar 3 for 19 were amongst the wickets. In reply Sadafco openers Hamid (28) and Naeem (75) provided a sound start.
Ali Hasan made 27 for Sadafco to cross the required target making 165 for 6 in the last over. Osman 2 for 25 and Ahsan Rafay 2 for 43 took the wickets. It was an entertaining contest in which Sadafco got through by a whisker.
