JEDDAH, 7 March 2007 — Qasim, Saudia City’s leading batsman in previous matches, anchored his team to a fine 48 runs victory against Hyderabad Green at the JCL complex in north Obhur here.
The stylish opener hit a splendid 112 off in just 44 balls including 16 boundaries and four huge sixes. He shared 171 runs first wicket partnership with fellow opener Naseem Khan, who also hit a beautiful unbroken 55 runs in the Master Foods Company Saudi Arabia-sponsored Division I matches under the auspicious of Jeddah Cricket League.
In the other 9th week match, Tamer thrashed Pak Saudi by 7 wickets.
Saudia City made 217 for 5 in their 18 allotted overs after winning the toss.
Qasim was in full cry to score a well-crafted century punishing Hyderabad bowlers at will and had fielders scampering on the ground. He was particularly penetrative to the short balls on his onside.
Naseem Khan, the veteran all-rounder, was a guiding force to Qasim as he played a subdued innings of 55 not out from 45 deliveries and was instrumental in making 171 runs partnership. Rifan made 15 while Mr. Extras stood the third highest on 27. Asif dismissed 2 for 23 while off spinner Ashfaque was lucky to have the prized wicket of Qasim giving 58 aruns in his 18-ball spell.
Hyderabad Green looked comfortable in their chase as openers Abdul Aziz 22 and Shams 61 off 21 balls batted solidly and gave an impressive 84 runs opening wicket partnership in 8 overs.
But their batting had let them down at the vital stage and lost momentum. Jaffer occupied the crease with determination to score and proved a thorn in Green’s side, hitting 47 runs off 26 balls during his merciless attack on Saudia bowlers. Hyderabad Green reached 169 for 5 in 18 overs. Qasim proved his bowling mettle uprooting two stumps for 41 runs followed by Rifan and Aslam one wicket each for 31 and 11 runs respectively.
In the second match, Pak Saudi slumped to 93 for 7 wickets in their 18 overs against the combination of lively Tamer bowling on a bouncy pitch and poor shot selection.
Pak Saudi batted first after winning the toss.
Murali 13, Omer 13, Amin Kasser 12, Amjad Parvez 11 and Shahid Amin, the president of the JCL and veteran cricketer, scored 10 runs added few in the score sheet. Tamer bowlers Anwar 2 for 8, Quddus 2 for 23 and Shoaib 1 for 21 shared the wickets among them. Pak Saudi bowlers failed to contain Tamer’s onslaught and despite their best they got only 3 wickets in the process as Tamer surpassed the target in making 95 runs in just 7.5 overs.
Openers Afroze top-scored with 54 runs that included seven boundaries and two huge sixes while Shoaib hit unbeaten 27 off 17 balls in quick succession. He hit four boundaries.
