MADINAH, 2 March 2007 -— Madinah Cricket Association organized an intercity cricket match here between MCA President XI and JCL President XI recently at Al-Aqool cricket complex on a pleasantly cold day.
The excellent preparation including rolling and compaction of the grounds were made to bring the best conditions for the intercity event.
After the photo session by specially invited Aijaz Ahmed Khan from JCL the coin was tossed in the presence of MCA captain Iftikhar and JCL captain Anees Malik accompanied by umpire Asim Shah from MCA and Touqeer Shah from JCL. MCA thanked Asim Shah for accepting the invitation to supervise this match on behalf of MCA.
The JCL captain decided to bat first after winning the toss. Due to the shoddy fielding and dropped catches JCL opener successfully established the partnership of 120 runs in 18 overs before Sohail forced Syed Amir to play an apish shot so Imran caught him brilliantly at mid off. Syed Amir scored 26 runs. Abdullah was next batsman to get clean bowled by the spinner Amir at his individual score of 68 runs in 60 balls including 11 boundaries. Again captain Anees Malik and Naeem Shah produced another 112 runs partnership. Naeem Shah hammered 73 runs in just 43 balls with two sixes and six boundaries while Anees Malik made his contribution of 36 in 34 balls.
JCL set the target of 282 runs in allotted 35 overs by losing six wickets. Ijaz from MCA was the only successful bowler to get three wickets in his account. Amir and Sohail each captured one wicket.
Chasing the target two MCA batsmen got puzzled and through the wickets looked like willingly. Ijaz and then Qaiser were out by giving easy catch to the mid off fielder in the third over. Only opener Habib stood firm to stay at the crease. He pushed the ball 10 times toward boundary in his 49 off 46 balls.
Shabbir from JCL sent four MCA batsmen to the pavilion. Qaiser and Javed also made damage to get MCA all out for only 147 runs by capturing three and two wickets respectively.
The prize distribution ceremony followed the intercity match at the ground. Individual prizes were given to all players from both teams. Man of the match award was given to Naeem Shah for his 73 runs.
JCL captain Anees Malik was presented with the winner’s trophy. JCL President Shahid Ameen and Zahid Ali, MCA president, exchanged the souvenirs with each other to celebrate the tradition among the Central Cricket Control Board partners.
Ibrahim Abdul Hameed Kurdi, sales and marketing manager of Saudi Arabian Airlines, presented the awards. He also addressed the audience and promised to bring Saudia back to sponsor the events organized by MCA.
Ali thanked the whole community of Madinah Munawara for their support to make all the activities successful organized by MCA.
Ali also praised the special support from Mhemood Saeed Beverage industries and Qasre Sheerin Sweets Tabbaq restaurant. He also cited the contributions of the following individuals: Habib-ur-Rhaman, Abdullah Jan, Mohammad Aslam Idrees, Khalid Bhattee, Ghulam Qadir Nakyana and Mohammad Ibrahim.
