RIYADH: Riyadh Cricket League’s new season took off with the Sikandar Farooqui Memorial T20 Cricket Tournament, sponsored by the Saudi Cricket Center and played at the RCL grounds in Riyadh.

22 teams from the RCL league are taking part in this tourney to pay tributes to the late Sikandar Farooqui, a fine cricketer during his time and Ex-president of Eastern Province Cricket Association (EPCA).

A similar tournament will also be held in different cities of the kingdom, details of which are on the RCL Facebook.

The highlights of the opening day, during which six matches were held, were fine bowling performances by Ibrahim and Ajaz while Bilal while Noman, Asif Sheikh and Khawar Malik dazzled with the bat. Abubaker and Zeeshan Shah gave fine all round performances.

Results:

Bhatkal made short work of Gujranwala by 71 runs.

Bhatkal set a target of 191 runs for Gujranwala. Khaleel (24), Tahoor (25) and Haneef (26) impressed with the bat. Pathan, Kamran and Abdul Rahman of Gujranwala took 2 wickets.

In reply Gujranwala were bowled out for 119 runs. Usman Ashraf (34) and Dastageer (27) were the only batsmen who put up some resistance.

Ibrahim of Bhatkal was deadly with ball as he ripped through the rival batting lineup as he took 5 wickets. Safwan got 2.

Man-of-the-Match: Ibrahim.

Cricket Samarwa routed Black Caps by 7 wickets.

Black Caps made 172 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Bilal Khursheed top-scored with 62. He was supported by Sana Khan (29) and Abid (29). Abukabar bagged 3 wickets.

In reply Samarwa reached their target off 16 overs. Thanks to Abubaker’s unbeaten knock of 64 followed Aasif Sheikh (52 not out), Amir (25) and Waseem (22).

Man-of-the-Match: Abubaker.

Super CC edged past Mughal by 10 runs.

Super CC made 172 runs off 20 overs. Noman was in good form and scored 78 runs. Khawar supported him with 29 runs. Imran of Mughal CC took 3 wickets while Sajjad and Shah took 2 wickets each. In reply Mughal managed 162 runs. Azeem staged a lone battle with 65 runs.

Babar Mirza bowled well and took 3 wickets while Hamid and Feroz got 2 each.

Man-of-the-Match: Noman

Diamond beat Kashmir Press by 5 wickets.

Kashmir Press were all out for 141 runs. Shabab (31) was the highest scorer as wickets fell line ninepins. Ajaz Hussain did most of the damage and took 5 wickets.

In reply Diamond got to their target off 17 overs.

Khaja Raziuddin top-scored with 57 runs. Danish took 2 wickets.

Man-of-the-Match: Ajaz Hussain.

Cricketers won against Maestro by 22 runs.

Cricketers batted first and put on board 163 runs. Zeeshan Shah scored an impressive 53 runs. He was well supported by Abdul Waheed (34), Salman (25) and Shafiq (20) runs. Imran Shaikh of Maestro bagged 4 wickets. In reply Maestro were bowled out for 141 runs. Barkat Haidri (32) was the only batsman who stood among the ruins. Abdul Waheed of Cricketers took 3 wickets while Zeeshan Shah got 2 wickets.

Man-of-the-Match: Zeeshan Khan.

Ever Green 6ers eased past Pakhtoon Khawah by 5 wickets.

Pakhtoon Khawah set a target of 176 runs. In reply Ever Green achieved the total off 18 overs. Taj Khan (45), Khawar Malik (58) and Adil (24) were among the runs. Munir Khawah took 2 wickets.

Man-of-the-Match: Khawar Malik.