JEDDAH: A 20-team jumbo cricket tournament organized by RPD Bin Laden successfully ended with Bobby-11 lifting the prestigious trophy after beating Habeeb-11 in the final match.

Bobby-11 was declared champion after the ‘hitting-the-wickets’ methodology was applied to break the tied match.

Fifty-three matches were played Thursdays and Fridays at the RPD floodlights grounds.

The quarterfinals were played between RPD Bin Laden, Bobby-11, Tasban, Sky-11, AOT-11, Saudi Oger, Habeeb-11 and Sadique-11 out of which only AOT-11, Bobby-11, Tasban and Habeeb-11 qualified for the semifinals.

The final between Bobby-11 and Habeeb-11 was the most exciting of all the matches as it ended in a nail-biting tie when Habeeb-11 equaled the total of 87 runs made by Bobby-11 in the first innings for the loss of four wickets in their stipulated 10 overs.

In the end, the organizers had to resort to the “hitting-the-wickets” methodology, as per international cricket rules in case of a tie. The tiebreak result favored Bobby-11.

The atmosphere was electric throughout the match as the running commentary was done in both Urdu and English on a high decibel microphone system.

The final was attended by the RPD management including the chief guest Hasan Alattas, HR and Administration Affairs manager; Abdullah Imran, security officer; Anwar Hafez, chief auditor; and Aalim Khan, HR officer.

The chief guest handed over the winner and runner-up trophies and cash prizes to the deserving teams and individuals.

The much hyped Jumbo prize of this tournament, a return air ticket for the Man-of-the-Series award, sponsored by Vijay Sharma (Subhash Vijay Associates-Mumbai, India), went to Erfan from Habeeb-11, who took 24 wickets in the tournament.

Amir Faheem, captain of RPD Bin Laden, also received a trophy and a return ticket to Pakistan, sponsored by Ghulam Mursaleen (Samaha Overseas, Islamabad, Pakistan). He also received congratulations from Sheikh Ahmad Bin Laden, general manager, for organizing such a wonderful tournament.

Hasan Rizvi (RPD O&M Dept.), who did the English commentary and conducted the prize distribution ceremony as well, thanked the audience.

Sajid and Rana Khursheed officiated the final.