RIYADH: Defending champion Pakistan International School Naseriyah (PISN) taught American International School a neat lesson by scoring a nine-wicket victory in their Under-19 match that tore the wraps off the fourth Arab News Inter-School Cricket Tournament yesterday.

Arab News is the title sponsor of this event under the auspices of Riyadh Cricket Association (RCA).

The opening ceremony was held at the RCA grounds in Sulay, where the RCA executive committee introduced the two school teams’ management panels and players with each other. American International School (AIS), competing for the first time in the tournament, showed great enthusiasm and sportsmanship during the match. The American school team comprised players of different nationalities.

The opening match attracted a large number of supporters of both schools. After winning the toss, PISN chose to field. PISN bowlers justified the decision as the AIS batsmen reeled under their excellent bowling. Ozair Ahmed of AIS tried his best to spark revival by scoring 17 runs but no other batsman gave him support.

The American school was bundled out for a paltry 83 runs in the allotted 20 overs. The main bowler from PISN that did the damage was Saifullah, who took three wickets for only 11 runs. He was ably supported by Shiraz, Ramzan, Obaidullah , Osama and Noman, who each took one wicket.

Chasing an easy target, PISN batsmen started aggressively especially opener Mohammad Ramzan as he smashed a quickfire 23 runs in only 10 balls and remained unbeaten.

Ramzan got good support from Abdul Salam 19 runs and Obaidullah 27 runs not out. The PISN boys reached the target of 84 runs in only five overs for the victory that kept their winning streak intact since last year’s competition.

Saifullah of PISN was adjudged Man of the Match for his excellent bowling and for taking three wickets for only 11 runs. The RCA organizing committee will finalize the match fixtures for the coming weeks taking into consideration the schools’ academic calendar. Fourteen teams have so far confirmed participation in Under-19 and Under-15 categories.

Abdul Qadeer Mirza, RCA president, congratulated the American and Pakistani schools for their brilliant performance and for their participation in the fourth Arab News Cricket Tournament 2009. Mirza said “It was more important to play the game in sportsmanship spirit than winning or losing the matches, especially in Saudi Arabia, where cricket as an international sport is now taking its roots.”

“All boys excelled and performed well,” said RCA adviser Raza Ur Rahman. He welcomed and congratulated the American school. “All players from both schools proved themselves that they are great fighters on the grounds,” Rahman added. “But, the team spirit, better experience and tact of the PISN boys led to their remarkable performance and eventually their triumph,” he added.

Teams:

Under-19 Group A: Pakistan International School (Naseriyah), American International School, Middle East International School and Pakistan International School (Sulemania)

Group B: Sri Lankan International School, Manarath International School and Bangla Desh International school

Under-15 Group A: Pakistan International School (Naseriyah), Indian International School and Sri Lankan International School

Group B: Delhi Public School, Middle East International School and International Indian Public school.