JEDDAH: The strong and energetic Hijaz-XI of Fatima Al Aqqad Est. beat the experienced Kanoo team by 55 runs while Osfan-XI beat Saliheen Cricket Club by 9 wickets in the first week matches of premier division morning session matches, sponsored by The Initial Landscaping Co. Ltd. and organized by the Jeddah Cricket Association (JCA).
The new entrants Hijaz-XI won the toss and elected to bat first against piled up 244 for 1 wicket against Kanoo.
Hijaz Skipper Talha’s decision proved fruitful for his team as their opening pair of Wahaj and Talha Qulani were in terrific form hitting freely all round the ground to set up a record for the opening partnership of 130 runs.
Wahaj was the most aggressive as he hit an unbeaten knock of 131 run of 57 balls with the help of (15x4) and (6x6). His partner and captain Talha Qulani hammered a quick fire 69 run in just 35 balls. Talha hit 11 hits to the fence and six. The other notable contributor with the bat was tall Athar who hit 25 runs off only 13 balls. Mansoor took the wicket of Talha by giving away 42 runs for the Kanoo team.
In reply, Kanoo made 189 for 6 in the allotted overs. Junaid Khan 69 was the highest scorer for the Kanoo. Sami Khan 46 and Rehan Khan contributed 30 runs for Kanoo team. Saeed Al Amoudi with his slow off spinners took 2 for 32 while Naveed, Wahaj, Faheem and Kamran took a wicket each.
In the second match of the day, Saliheen won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 123 all out in 15.4 overs against Osfan-XI. Irfan was the highest scorer with 42 runs. Noor 16 and Ali 13 were the others who contributed. Najam took 3 for 12, Imran 2 for 17, Majed Butt 2 for 29 and Akbar Butt 2 for 24 were the wicket takers for Osfan-XI.
In reply Osfan reached their target 126 for one wicket in 9 overs. Akmal was the most successful batsman as he hit 82 runs while his fellow batsman Kashif struck a quick 20 off 12 balls. Ashfaque took one wicket for Saliheen. Osfan-XI won the match by 9 wickets.
