Host Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers won its fourth match against defending champion Makarim Riyadh to qualify first for the semifinal from Group A in the 16th Annual Riyadh Inter-Hotels Cricket Tournament 2015 here.

Sheraton won the toss and elected to bat first. The opening pair of Aqeel Afzal and Basharat Mahmood did not last as Basharat was caught on the 2nd over for only 13 runs. The replacement of Mohsin Ali was another setback as he was bowled out on the first ball. The partnership Aqeel and Captain Furqan Gillani built a combined 57 runs before both were bowled out and after they departed Fayas Mohamed and Ishfaq Awan contributed for 34 runs (17 each) to take their team’s final score to 140 runs. Iqbal was the best bowler for Makarim Riyadh taking 3 wickets for 33 runs in 4 overs.

Makarim Riyadh lost its first two wickets, Mubasher bowled out for only 2 runs and his partner Mohammed Nasser was caught by Aqeel with no run. Only Captain Kamran Asghar showed some resistance in front of Sheraton pacers as he made 32 runs while the rest of the team fell one after the other without any resistance and Makarim finished the game with only 82 runs. Sheraton Riyadh won by 58 runs. The best bowler of Sheraton was Khurram Saeed with 4 wickets for 12 runs in 4 overs while Sasikaran Arumugan took 3 wickets for 14 runs in 3 overs.

In the afternoon, Novotel Al Anoud Riyadh set the target for Riyadh Conference Palace at only 97 runs and only Mohsin Abbassi made a remarkable innings of 24 runs and not out. Riyadh Conference Palace bowler Usman managed to get 4 wickets in his 4 overs and gave up only 6 runs. Sahib Rahman produced a very good performance with the ball in his 3.03 overs surrendering 17 runs and takine 4 wickets.

Riyadh Conference Palace chasing the small target was an easy task although only Mohammad Waqar M. Riaz made a credible of 30 runs not out. Riyadh Conference Palace won the by 2 wickets in 14.03 overs. Novotel bowler Rizvi took 3 wickets in his 4 overs and gave up only 23 runs while Sameer in his 2 overs took 2 wickets.

Games today

6:30 a.m. — Al Faisaliah B vs. Sheraton

1:30 p.m. — Courtyard Marriott vs. Novotel