RIYADH — Riyadh Cricket Association season 2019-20 began with an extravaganza RCA Inter League Jashan e Azadi Cricket Cup. A T20 event that was played among the four leagues of RCA namely Alkharaj, Huraymala, Hayer and Diriyah league. Players from more than 55 teams were selected by RCA selection committee to form competitive teams. The tournament was played in color kits and was streamed live. Alkharaj league, led by Mohammad Nadeem Babar, won the tournament. Alkharaj league won after defeating Huraymala league in the final. Batting first, Alkharaj amassed 260 for the loss of 7 wickets. Opener Kashif Mirza led with 90, his second nervous nineties of the event. Captain Nadeem Babar stroked unbeaten 44. Abubaker 33 and Shakil 27 also batted well. Asim Nawaz took 3 wickets, Ali got 2 while Salman and Nadeem took 1 wicket each. Chasing a massive total, Huraymala's top-order collapsed. Captain Abdul Aziz resisted with 76 and was supported by Amir Sofi with 56. Manzoor scored unbeaten 22 as Huraymala was restricted to 194 in their allotted 20 overs. Kashif Mirza was declared man of the match. Diriyah League won the third position match against Hayer League with an empathic win. A majestic 154 off 56 balls from Majid Bashir helped Diriyah league post a gigantic total of 274/5. His stunning knock included 19 fours and 9 maximums. Omar and Rustam Ali assisted with 44 and 22 runs respectively. Iftikhar picked 2 while Azeem, Navas and Yasir got 1 wicket each. In reply, Hayer openers provided the required start as Bilal Wani hit 74 off 30 while Adnan smashed 51 off 18 balls. Captain Navas also played well for his 46. But, the rest of the batting line up could not keep pace as Hayer managed 258 — falling 16 short of the total. Sohail and Imtaz Butt took 3 wickets each. Majid Bashir was declared man of the match for his standout knock. Earlier in league stage, Hayer lost to Alkharaj. Hayer totaled 243 losing 7 wickets. Bilal Wani banged 71 and Iftikhar bashed 60 while Adnan got caught for 42. Zaheer took 3 wickets. Nadeem Babar, Mateen and Yassir picked up 1 wicket each. Alkharaj chased down the target in 18.2 overs. Kashif was unlucky to be caught on 98. Shakeel 39, Imran 35, Yasir 26 and Abu Baker 25 played vital knocks. Iftikhar and AbuBaker took 2 wickets each. Huraymala thumped Diriyah by 4 wickets. Diriyah accumulated 240/6. Majid Bashir slogged 70, Omer bashed 61 while Imtiaz scored 37. Asim claimed 2 wickets. Huraymala won in 18.2 overs. Asim led the chase with 88. Nadeem notched 32 while Amir and Sheraz mustered 31 runs each. Majid clinched 2 wickets. The prize distribution ceremony was held at RCA Sports Complex, which started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an. RCA President Tariq Javed was the chief guest. Senior Vice President RCA Nasir Abbasi hosted the ceremony and gave briefing about the ongoing season 2019-2020. He said that the mission of RCA is to provide quality cricket and for this purpose more inter-regional and international events will be organized where RCA players will get opportunities to showcase their skills at national and international level. Alkharaj captain Mohammad Nadeem Babar received the winner's trophy. Huraymala won the runners up trophy while Diriyah got 3rd position. Kashif Mirza was adjudged the player of the tournament while Majid Bashir earned the best batsman award. Talking on this occasion, CEO RCA Mohammad Nadeem Babar said that this event was a great success and will provide a solid base for 2019-20 season. He briefed the media that special grounds maintenance, construction of new pavilions and special media stands for live coverage are the key indicators of RCA's commitment to provide quality cricket in Riyadh region. President Javed said this event has provided germane podium for youngsters to showcase their talent and skill. This has given us a glance at the players to form competent team for future national and international events. Samiullah Najar was awarded innovation award for live streaming and live scoring of matches. Rustam Ali was given special shield for his services during 2018-19 season.
