RIYADH, 9 February 2007 — Shiraz Shafiq of Pakistan International School (PIS) of Nasseriya became the first batsman to score a century in the Arab News Cup Inter-Schools cricket tournament under-14 group. The tournament is organized by the Riyadh Cricket Association (RCA) and is played at the RCA grounds in Sulay area in Riyadh.
Shiraz’s century enabled PIS to notch a major victory over Manarat Al Riyadh School team. PIS won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first. Shiraz was in splendid form as he belted the Manarat bowlers all over the ground and his unbeaten 128 runs were decorated with 14 boundaries. He got good support from M.Saleem (36 runs) and Abdul Salam (26 runs). The PIS made 234 runs, losing only 4 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Manarat boys could not cope with the guile of Shiraz Shafiq and Barkat Ali and the entire team folded up for only 66 runs. No batsman reached the double figures. For PIS Shiraz consistently maintained his bowling skill also by taking 4 wickets for 16 runs. Barkath Ali’s skillful bowling made him grab 4 wickets for 20 runs. Shiraz Shafiq was declared Man of the Match for his all-round display.
