JEDDAH, 29 March 2005 — A solid 131 runs partnership between Haroon Abdullah (63) and his opening partner Zafar Iqbal (63) helped Sadafco win by a huge margin of 107 runs against Western Union, while an unbroken fourth wicket partnership of 117 runs between two stylish Sri Lankan batsmen Lasantha (50) and Zameem (52) lifted Reliable to a seven wicket-win over Kanoo Travels in the 9th week matches of Bison League for Premier Division sponsored by Abuljadyal Beverages Inc. and organized by Jeddah Cricket League (JCL).
At JCL-3, Sadafco started flying as their openers skipper Haroon Abdullah and Zafar Iqbal looked comfortable against Western Union’s bowlers as they drove cut and hit at will and showered their strokeplay at every corner of the ground by their technically sound footwork and power packed shots to each hit 63 runs. Haroon was particularly in punishing mood as he hit three fours and three sixes. Zafar got the credit of hitting seven hits to the fence while Arif & Kaleem managed to score 18 & 14 runs, respectively. Niaz and Nisar shared 2 wickets each for the Western Union. In reply, Sadafco seamers Siraj Ahmed Khan & Rizwan bowled tight line and length as they gave just 15 runs and restricted the Western Union openers to a paltry 76 runs.
In another match at JCL-1, Kanoo Travels opted to bat first after winning the toss against Reliable and made 147 for 5. Javid Iqbal opened the innings and made 42 valuable runs with the help of four boundaries and with his singles and doubles rotated the strike with his partner Arif Khan. Javid failed to reach home while stealing the single with a sharp hit from the Reliable fielder and got run out while Arif became the victim of Lasantha in the safe hands of Zaman. Zaman then took the brilliant catch of the star batsman of Kanoo Travels Rashid Malik off the bowling of spinner Siraj for well-made 29 runs. Wicketkeeper and batsman Mohammad 12 and Abdullah Shahji 12 runs accelerated the score to 147 for 5. Lasantha, Sadath and Siraj took one wicket each for the Reliable. In reply, Reliable could not rely on their in-form batsmen Javed Ahmed & skipper Sadathullah who could not impress in this match as they lost their wickets cheaply for 10 and 9 runs respectively. Noor at No.3 also could not last long as he too became the third victim of Jeddah’s little master Jawad Agha along with his teammates Javed and Sadathullah. Agha was the most successful bowler of the Kanoo Travels taking three crucial wickets for 30 runs.
