RIYADH — Alwan Arab Royals booked a berth in the knockout stage as Wallan Najran Jewels and MASH Khobar Knights scored much-needed wins to remain in Youm Al-Watani Cup (YWC) 2014. Roiyas Jeddah Jockeys, H.S. Dammam Fighters, DMT Tabuk Titans, Mir's Saudi Stallions and Mumtaz Riyadh Ryders also bagged full points to remain in hunt for the last eight spots.
The first match of the day went to Roiyas, who thrashed Mazayas by 10 wickets. Electing to bat, Mazayas could score only 115 mainly because of some fine bowling by Laeeq (4-13), Meraj (2-17) and Hyder (2-30). Aleem (35 - 6x5), and Irfan (26) were among the runs. Jeddah Jockeys reached home without losing a wicket. Laeeq showed his batting talent with 77 (35 balls) and Sohail hit 27. They put on 118 1n 10.2 overs. Laeeq, who also shone with ball, was named Player of the Match and Ruby TV's Star of the Day.
The second match saw Wallan Najran Jewels earn a much-needed second win to remain in the fray by downing Syed's Najd Najams by 5 runs. In a well contested match Wallan made 155-5. Ashraf scored 59 (6x2, 4x6), Saleem 28 and Abdul Rahman 28.
Kabir took 4-26. Najd fell short by 5 runs as wickets tumbled towards the end. From 102-1 Najd was bowled out for 150 in 14 overs. It was penalized 2 overs for slow over rate. Captain Kaleem with 53 (6x4, 4x3) and Ghouse with 34 had earlier kept the run-chase alive. Khalid, Rahman and Ashiq took 2 wickets each. Ashraf was named Player of the Match.
Alwan Arab Royals, eyeing second YWC tittle, secured a fourth straight win and booked a berth in the quarterfinals by defeating Delta Taif Tigers by 6 wickets. Opting to take the strike first, Deltas posted 170-5 with Usman hitting 79 (31 balls - 6x11, 4x1) and Junaid 32. Shiraz claimed 2-36 for Alwans. Chasing the formidable total, Alwans were in the back seat till the 7th over when Anwar went ballistic to score an unbeaten 89 (39 balls - 6x8, 4x5). Zakir added 25 as the Royals reached 171-4 in 14.2 overs. Anwar was declared Player of the Match.
Mumtaz Riyadh Ryders secured valuable points following a walk over as Dynamic Hail Heroes failed to field a team due to injuries to key players.
In the fifth match, Dawood Ali's all-round performance handed DMT Tabuk Titans a 134-run win over KDD Gizan Gladiater. Batting first, Tabuk amassed 219-3. Nazimuddin blasted 85 (43 balls - 6x5, 4x8) and Dawood remained unbeaten on 80 (29 - 6x11, 4x1). Gladiaters were dismissed for 85 in 10.1 overs. Dawood returned figures of 3-5 and Saleem 4-36. Dawood Ali was adjudged Player of the Match.
Mir's Saudi Stallions snatched an unlikely 2-wicket win over Infrability Saudi Gems. Gems put on 158-6 with Mubashir scoring 47 and Waqar 26. Ahmed bagged 3 wickets. Stallions were off to a slow start, tottering at 57-7, but Player-of-the-Match Dilshad (50) and Shareef (36) helped Stallions to a thrilling win.
MASH Khobar Knights got the better of Mashal Abha Avians. Abha scored 159-9 with contributions from Maqsood (31) Jaleel (29) and Mustaq (28). Mansoor bagged 3-39 and Shazad 2-21. Half of MASH side was out with 70 needed off 30 balls.
Player-of-the-Match Jasim's timely knock of 43 took Khobar to victory with 5 balls to spare. Rauf added 53. Qadeer took 4-25.
In the last match of the day, H.S. Dammam Fighters thumped Abad Jubail Jaguars by 6 wickets. Opting to bat first, Abad piled up 167-7 with Aamir scoring 48 and Touseef 28. Raees Adnan took 2-20. Fighters were home for the loss of 4 wickets in 11.3 overs with Raees Adnan making a quick-fire 58 along with Nakeeb 35 and Moinuddin 27. Adanan was named Player of the Match. — SG
