RIYADH: Syeds Najd Najams lifted the Youm Al Watani Cup after they got the better of Mumtaz Riyadh Ryders by 15 runs in a keenly contested final.

The Twenty20 cricket tournament was organized by G. K. International Sports Club to commemorate the Saudi National Day.

Mumtaz Riyadh Ryders won the toss and elected to field. Najd Najams were off to a good start as openers Saleem (37) and Ghouse (19) put on 63 runs for the first wicket. However, after their exit, Ryders slumped to 118 for 4.

Later, Munna (62 not out) and Amir (33) managed to prop up the innings and put up a decent total of 221 for 7. Ibrahim 2 for 28, Imran 3 for 43 and Baber 2 for 41 were the main wicket takers.

In reply, Riyadh Ryder got off to a flying start and scored a quick 76 runs. However, Kabir made the break through and got the wicket of Baber (46).

Subsequently Imran (54) departed at the total of 110. After their exit,

Riyadh Ryders found runs difficult to come and the match gradually drifted in favor of Najd Najams. A desperate attempt by Khuram (27 off 14 ball) and Sarfaraz (45 off 21 balls) was not good enough to save their team from defeat as the Najd Najams bowlers took three wickets in quick succession.

With 18 needed of 14 balls with 4 wickets in hand, Kabir removed the dangerous looking Sarfaraz. In the next over Saleem took the remaining three wickets to finish the match, bowling his team to victory.

Riyadh Ryders from 202 for 6 were all out for 206.

Saleem of the Najd Najam was declared Player-of-the-Match and Munna was given Star of the day award.

The grand Youm Al Watani trophy was presented to Kaleem, captain of

Najd Najams, by General Sulaiman Al Othaimeen and the runner-up trophy was received by Ehsan, captainof Riyadh Ryders, from Abdullah Al Sheheri.

Franchised by different firms, the teams named after different regions

in the Kingdom included Najd Najams, Riyadh Ryders, Dammam Fighters, Abha Avians, Hail Heroes,

Jeddah Jockeys, Jubail Jaguars, Najran Jewels, Tabuk Titans, Saudi

Stallion, Gizan Gladiaters, Arab Royals, Yanbu Warrior, Saudi Gems, Taif Tigers and Khobar Knights.