JEDDAH, 8 October 2004 — EPCA XI pipped JCL XI in a closely fought intercity encounter in Dammam on Friday. JCL, on batting first, were given a cautious start till Bilal Butt the young left arm fast bowler struck, removing Khalid Butt for 19 and than Khawar Sohail for 21.

Syed Amer came into bat at No.3 and settled himself by taking mostly singles plus five hits to the fence in his 61 but the run rate slowed.

Arif Mehmood fell cheaply while sweeping Munawar Hussain, who sent back captain Anis Malik for only 18 runs. Haroon Abdullah put up some resistance as he rotated the strike in his 25 runs before falling to Iqbal Bali. But Shakir Khan struck a timely unbeaten 57 (2x4, 4x6) off 23 balls. He boosted the tally along with Shahid Moulana, who made an unbeaten 20 off 10 balls, and a healthy contribution from Mr. Extras – 26, as JCL were restricted to 248 for 7 in 40 overs. For EPCA Bilal Butt took 2 for 59, Munawar Hussain 2 for 34 and Tallal Iqbal 2 for 44 while Iqbal Bali grabbed one for 25 runs.

EPCA started their chase well with openers Munawar Hussain and Tallal Iqbal, who made 49 (8x4) (1x6) and 31 (5x4) runs respectively, playing calculated innings. They shared 54 runs. Wasim Malik then hammered 64 (7x4) and along with veteran Iqbal Bali shared 104 runs. Iqbal Bali with his experience and temperament made 53 runs which brought the EPCA close to the victory. But after the departure of these two, Amjad Butt fell cheaply as Khawar Sohail struck double blow. He had earlier scalped Bali. With the match evenly poised, Ejaz Saeed, who struck 18 runs of the 35th over, made 29 runs in just 13 balls and was unbeaten with Abdul Waheed, who contributed 7, as EPCA made 249 for 5 wickets in 39 overs. Shakir Khan took 2 for 51 and Khawar Sohail 2 for 39 while Haroon Abdullah took 1 for 49 runs.

The JCL selection had earlier won the Thursday match as EPCA marked its 25th year. The JCL Teams are being sponsored by Western Union Money Transfer and Arab News.

The first match between the JCL-Western Union Presidents XI and EPCA Presidents XI saw Khawar the Hammer, as he is nicknamed, plunder 96 runs in 36 balls with 11 fours and five sixes to completely subdue the EPCA team. He was supported by Khalid Butt who remained unbeaten on 69.

EPCA Presidents XI won the toss and elected to bat. Amer Sajjad (19) and Kashif Rashid (23) started the innings cautiously. Sohrab Ali was the only batsmen who showed some grit scoring 77 runs from 73 balls as the EPCA side was bowled out for 178 in 35.1 overs.

Jawad Agha was the most successful bowler claiming 4 wickets for 26 runs. Anees Malik 1 for 10, Javed Iqbal 2 for 38 and Akram Mohammad 1 for 24 were the other wickettakers.

In reply JCL-Western Union President XI went on a spree with Khawar and Khalid enthralling the spectators with a plethora of fours and sixes. Khawar Sohail, at 96, with the scores tied went for a big hit in a bid to reach his century but was bowled by Hidayat Hussain. In 15.2 overs JCL-Western Union President XI achieved the target of 179 for the loss of one wicket. Khawar was rightly declared the man of the match

Later at the prize distribution ceremony the Rolling Trophy was presented to the EPCA captain. Medal and trophies were also presented for individual performances.

Farhat Mehmood, president EPCA, Sikandar Farooqi and Aftab Ahmed, both ex-presidents of EPCA, praised Shahid Amin the president of JCL and CEO of CCCB for his tireless efforts in promoting the game of cricket and told the large gathering that this is not the victory of EPCA or JCL but a victory of the game of cricket in the Kingdom.

They also lauded the historic relations with JCL and the relations between the two organizations for the last 25 years. They thanked the players, volunteers, spectators, media and the sponsors who supported this intercity matches and the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of EPCA and congratulated each and every one who had participated and contributed in making the event a success.

JCL team manager Aijaz A. Khan thanked the hosts EPCA for their splendid hospitality and also thanked the Western Union money transfer for sponsoring the (JCL) team for this intercity match.