JEDDAH, 15 March — In Friday League sponsored by Kanoo and run under the auspices of Jeddah Cricket League, Adamjee Insurance surprised formidable Kanoo Travel. Olympic Airways stopped Patel XI’s victory charge. Attar Travel won a thriller against Juffali Benz. Rabia Express failed to turn up for its match against UMA.
Irfan helps Adamjee beat Kanoo
Kanoo Travel was well-placed till 14th over of the match against Adamjee Insurance. One deadly over by Irfan turned tables over when Kanoo Travel slumped from 131 for two to 142 for 5. Kanoo Travel could not recover from these stunning blows and fell short of victory target by 9 runs. Adamjee Insurance, batting first, posted 183 runs and Kanoo Travel could reach only 174 runs.
Adamjee Insurance lost Shahid (2) in the second over. But Ather (53x10 fours) and Irfan (36x4 fours and a six) scored 75 runs for 2nd wicket partnership. Ather hit three consecutive boundaries off Shaukat’s opening over. He was in a belligerent mood and his innings contained 10 hits to the ropes. Imran (50x5 fours) kept the tempo by scoring twos and threes. Nadeem chipped in with 19 off 12 balls. Qadeer was run out for 10.
Adamjee reached 183 in its quantum of overs. Shafi bowled good line and length got 3 wickets for 29 runs. Sohail (1 for 28), Shamim (1 for 27) and Aleem (1 for 42) were the successful bowlers. Rashid (24x2 fours and a six) and Majid Siddiqui (82x9 fours and 4 sixes) started on very confident and in ruthless manner. Majid was in a ferocious mood and sent Adamjee fielders on leather hunt. He lofted ball 4 times out of the ground. He kept bowlers at his will. But Irfan (5 for 32) took Adamjee Insurance back in the game when he stopped Majid’s charge and clean bowled him brilliantly. Waseem and Shaukat were other victims of Irfan’s next two deliveries. Both were out for a duck. And with these fine spell of bowling Kanoo slumped from 131 for 2 to 142 for 5. Rabie (09), Shafi (02), Aleem (02) made procession to the pavilion. Shoaib remained unbeaten with 13.
Kanoo Travel reached 174 runs at the expiry of its overs. Qadeer (1 for 34), Hamid (1 for 36), and Saleem (1 for 29) bore brunt of Majid’s onslaught.
Amanullah guides Olympic Airways to victory
Inspite of Abu Hasan’s 74 made off 48 balls, Olympic Airways could only manage 154. Restricting Olympic Airways for manageable tally, Patel XI fancied its chances but Amanullah (5 for 28) smashed all hopes of Patel XI who were shot out for 122.
Olympic Airways’ tally of 154 was made possible by Abu Hassan (74 n.o. - 4 fours), Irfan (25x4 fours) and Habib’s unbeaten 18. Abu Hasan and Irfan got together after quick dismissal of Shamim (03) and Amanullah (06).
They kept their heads cool and kept scorecard ticking. Irfan tried to hit out and was caught of Shaukat’s bowling. Abu Hassan lost Zafar for naught but he found a good partner in Habib. Both took their charge patiently. Patel XI did not help their cause by conceding 28 extras. Mushtaq (1 for 28) and Shaukat (1 for 42) bowled well. Patel XI lost Yousuf for 9 but Mushtaq (36) and Saleem (32) put up 60 runs partnership. When these two were playing, it seemed that Patel XI would easily make the target.
But introduction of Amanullah into attack spelt its disaster for Patel XI. He sent back Mushtaq in his first over and accounted for Saleem and Idrees (01) in the next over. Asif (01) was his next victim. Shaukat (09) too fell prey to Amanullah’s bowling. Abu Hasan (2 for 16) dealt initial blows. Gufran (1 for 10) also got his share of spoils. Patel XI who were at one stage closed to victory were bowled out for 122.
Attar Travel win a thriller against Juffali Benz
Attar Travel players by the dint of rich experience of yesteryears came up trumps against youthful Juffali Benz by 6 runs. Juffali Benz bowlers kept a tight noose over Attar Travel batsmen from the start and did not allow any respite throughout the match. Pakistani School’s left arm spinner Zahid Anwar (4 for 12) led the attack.
Attar batsmen could not negotiate his bowling with confidence. Minoow Ishaq Chaudhary (2 for 23) and Hamid Butt (2 for 14) were also bang on target. Sarfaraz (32x4 fours) and Ghufran (24x2 fours) provided reasonable start. But once they departed, the rest of batting fell like nine pins. Only Kashif (18 n.o.) reached the double figure. Salman (02), Shoaib (06), Ravi (06), Mazhar (02), Asad (04), Ateeq (00), and Aijaz (06) tell the sad story. Attar Travel managed only 114 runs. Facing such a low score, Juffali Benz was brimming with confidence oblivious of what the lady luck had in store for them. Mazhar (2 for 21) drew the first blood by dismissing Azher (18) and Asim for a duck. Kashif (2 for 20) from other end dealt body blows by sending back Farhan (13), and Imran (01). Shoaib (1 for 27) uprooted dangerous looking Hamid Butt’s (26) stumps. Young Zahid (36 no) showed steel nerves but wickets at the other end kept falling. Asad Malik (2 for 18) made the final putsch. Juffali Benz was restricted to 108 only, 6 runs short from victory. Rabia Express did not turn up for its match against UMA.
