RIYADH: Jeddah Cricket Association won both matches of the two-match Inter-City one-day series matches against Riyadh Cricket League, by 30 runs and 153 runs respectively in Riyadh recently.

The highlights of the first match was Osman brilliant innings of 124 runs and Ibrahim’s 4-65 both from RCL. This was in response to JCA’s total of 330 runs. For JCA Moazzam Shoukat (90), Kashif Shafiq (77) and Athar Abdul Quddus (55) impressed with the bat while Imran Butt dazzled with ball and had figures of 3 for 64.

In the second match, Qamar Awan hit 183, Kashif Shafiq 74 for JCA while Mushtaq of RCL made 67 runs. The series, sponsored by ALS Borderless Logistics Company and Mumtaz Group of Companies was organized by the Riyadh Cricket League.

In the first match, JCA elected to bat and were all out for 330 off 39.3 overs. Prolific opener Qamar Awan went cheaply but his partner Moazzam Shoukat stood firm and went on to score 90 runs. He along along with Kashif Shaifq (77) were involved in a 150-run partnership. Athar Abdul Quddus (55), Babar Hussain (27) and Abu Huraira (31) later propped up the innings.

Ibrahim (4-65), Naveed (2-47) and Shahzaib (2-66) were the main wicket takers.

In reply, RCL took advantage of local conditions started comfortably despite the loss of an early wicket. However, Osman glued himself at the crease, maintained the asking rate of 8.5 runs per over. He went on reach his ton and finished with a brilliant knock of 124.

It looked smooth sailing for RCL before excellent work in the deep by Moazamto wicketkeeper Babar Hussain ended Osman’s brilliant innings as he tried to steal the second run and was run-out. After the fall of Osman, wickets fell at the regular intervals and despite efforts by Naveed (39), Alam (36), Abu Sufian (31), Asad Khan (27) and Shahzaib (21 not out), which were not good enough as RCL folded for 300 after 36 overs. Bowling honors for JCA were shared by Imran Butt (3-64), Abu Huraira (2-56), Adnan Liaqat(2-70) and Faheem Pasha 1-48.

Man-of-the-Match: Moazzam Shoukat.

Best Batsman: Osman.

Best Bowler: Ibrahim.

Best wicketkeeper: Babar Hussain.

In the second match, once again JCA won the toss and elected to bat first. The openers went on a rampage, scored over 10 runs an over and piled up 426 for 6 off 40 overs. Qamar Awan started with a huge six, raced to his century and went on to score a record 183 runs off 104 balls. His innings was studded with 18 boundaries and 5 sixes. Moazzam (45) played second fiddle as he gave Qamar most of the strike. After departure of Moazzam, Kashif continued from where he left in previous match and scored 74. Abu Huraira (28) and Abdul Wahid (20) remained unbeaten.

Shakeel Sadiq (2-61) and Ibrahim (2-87) were the wicket takers.

In reply RCL collapsed for 273 after 31 overs. Mushtaq was the highest scorer with 67 runs followed by Shahzaib (40), Faheemuddin (33) and Shakeel (30). Forty-two runs came in the form of extras. Abu Huraira (2-30), Imran, (2-33), Adnan (2-67) and Faheem (2-71) shared the wickets.

Man-of-the-Match: Qamar Awan.

Best Batsman: Kashif Shafiq.

Best all-rounder: Abu Huraira.

The prize distribution function was held at the ground with recitation of Holy Qu’ran by seven-year-old Yousuf Zakaria. RCL CEO Jawaid Munawar welcomed the guest and congratulated the JCA team and officials.

Pervez Khan of JCA received the winners’ cup and individual medals while Asad Khan was handed over the runner-up cup and medals for RCL team.

Later, Riyadh Cricket League hosted a reception for the visitors. The hosts included RCL President Mamoor Ilahi, Raza-Ur-Rehman senior adviser, Jawaid Munawar, Mohammed Rafeeq, Zakaria Hasan and Shamshad Ali Siddique.