PCL Summer Cup 2012, which was organized by Professional Cricket League Committee with participation of 12 teams, turned out to be a tough competition. Of them, two deserving teams — Kingdom CC and Riyadh Warriors — played the finals at Eidgah Ground recently.
Kingdom CC won the toss and elected to bat. Openers Abdul Raoof and Adnan Ahmed were in destruction mode. They gave an electrifying start scoring 100 in 7 overs. Run machine Abdul Raoof continued his tremendous form with the bat.
Riyadh Warriors’ bowlers had no clue to stop them. In the later half, Raees Adnan, Adil, Naqeeb & Naveed (Capt) displayed some fireworks with sixes raining. Kingdom CC set a target of 191 in 15 overs.
Riyadh Warriors who are well known for their hard hitting batting, started off well with Imran on strike. He started his innings with two towering sixes, but couldn’t survive for long. Later, it was Kingdom CC’s bowling brigade, which dominated. Naseer, Javed and Taher tried to give some fight, but wickets were falling at regular intervals.
Kingdom CC’s bowler Hussian, who was consistent throughout the tournament, remained dominant in the finals with his fiery pace. He was well supported by pacer Hashim, tricky Rizwan Khan, king of variations Raees Adnan & Captain Naveed. Riyadh Warriors were all out for 64 runs. They were defeated by a huge margin of 127 runs.
Kingdom CC recorded its maiden victory in KSA by lifting the PCL Summer Cup. It was Captain cool Naveed, who led the match-winning side and lifted the Crystal Trophy.
The PCL Committee comprising Khaja Bhukhari, Mohammed Asif, Asghar, Akbar, Muzammil and Fareed organized the tournament. The concluding ceremony was held at Spice International Hotel with chief guests Tanveer, Shafiuddin and Khader Khan Ghori presenting the awards.
The following players won the PCL awards: Man of the Match for Finals Abdul Raoof Ali Khan; Best Batsman of the Tournament Rizwan, 400 runs; all-round performer of the tournament Adnan Ahmed, 300 runs and 9 wkts; and best bowling performance: Raees Adnan, 17 Wkts.
