RIYADH - Nasir Abbasi blasted 244 and along with Ayaz Mohammed (150 not out) created a record 398-run partnership for the opening wicket in the 5th week action of Youm Al-Watani Cup 2016 (YWC-16) at the RCA Grounds here. The record stand helped KFSH Blues defeat Riyadh Aces by 128 runs for its first win. In other games, Lahore Badshah defeated Amer Holidays by 5 wickets, while the match between Pak Shaheen and Pakistan Falcons was called off in the first over after lunch due to rain. Alongside the game, a "Diabetes Awareness Camp" was held by a team of medic and paramedic staff of Abad Specialized Clinics as part of World Diabetes Awareness Week. Many Riyadh Cricket Association (RCA) players and officials underwent diabetic and dental checkup. The tenth league match between KFSH Blues and Riyadh Aces will go down in record books for a number of reasons - highest opening stand of 398 and highest team total of 435-2 and highest individual scores for Nasir and Ayaz. Put into bat, KFSH opener and captain Abbasi Nasir hit a career-best 244 (26x4, 4x6 - 135 balls) and Ayaz Mohammed remained unbeaten on 150 (18x4 - 102 balls). The two started cautiously. Nasir played freely after reaching his century and hit shots all over the ground. He was out in the 38th over. Ayaz played a crucial supportive role. Amir bagged the two wickets to fall. Both were caught by captain Omar Rana. KFSH Blues, in reply, managed 435-2. Chasing the target, Riyadh Aces started losing wickets in the third over. Hassan Javed (111 off 90 balls) and Imran (60 off 43 balls) held the chase for some time but Riyadh Aces remained behind in the required run rate. Omar Rana (27), Safdar (25) and Nadeem Shah (25) also contributed to the total - 303-6 in 40 overs. For KFSH, Iftikhar Ali claimed 2-49 and Saqib Saleem 3-52. Nasir Abbasi was adjudged the Player of Match. The 11th league match was called off in the first over after lunch when the rain interrupted the play. In the morning session, Pak Shaheen won the toss and made 307 in 35.5 overs. The runs came mainly from Waheed (107 - 67 balls). This was his second century of the tournament. Captain Wahab hit 45, Ishaq Ahmed 41 and Javed Khan 46. Hamza (3-74) and Jadoon (2-54) were the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan Falcons. In the 9th league match, Lahore Badshah outplayed Amer holidays for its second win. Electing to bowl first, Lahore Badshah bundled out Amer Holidays for 306 in 40 overs. Lahore Badshah was home in 32 overs for the loss of 5 wickets. Irfan Mushtaq added 155 for Amer Holidays. Sami Arshad hit 70 and Shams 38. Asif 4-13 in 3 overs destroyed the Amer Holiday's innings along with Imran Khan (2-54) and Saad (2-49). Lahore Badshah started briskly keeping in mind the weather condition with opener Mudassir making 66 and Imran 125. Malik Fahad added a quick-fire 52 (26 balls) and Usman butt scored 35 to complete the chase in 32 overs. Saeed picked 2-65 for Amer Holidays. Imran khan walked away with the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance. Upcoming matches Friday: Pak Shaheen vs. GK Stars on RCA Ground 4 at 7:15 a.m.; Sama Steel vs. Riyadh Aces on RCA Ground 5 at 7:15 a.m.; Lahore Lions vs. CKK on RCA Ground 6 at 7:15 a.m.
