by: Atif Amin
Sinmar cricket club defeated Kohsar Blues in a nail-biting thriller by 3 runs to qualify for the final of the RCA 100 ball championship organized by Riyadh Cricket Association (RCA). RCA was formed in the Year 1980 for organizing and promoting cricketing activities in Riyadh and the Central Region in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since its formation, it has successfully brought cricket as a game of sport among the Saudis and Expatriates working in the region.
Cricket has greatly benefited from the support of RCA Patron in Chief HRH General Dr. Prince Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. RCA is also an affiliated member of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) and works efficiently under the astute leadership of CEO Mr. Muhammad Nadeem Babar, former first-class cricketer and captain of the Saudi National cricket team.
Sinmar CC captain Hazim Hamza won the toss and elected to bat first. The openers provided a strong platform as both scored briskly. Imtihyas scored 40 (19) balls while Riyas Chukan scored 39(23) balls. The finishing touches were provided by Navas CP 42(20) and Hazim Hamza 45(22) in a whirlwind unbroken partnership for the 5th wicket. Sinmar CC finished their innings on 207/4 in their allotted 100 balls.
Chasing the huge target, Kohsar Blues kept on fighting until the last ball of the match and finished on 204/6 and lost the game by only 3 runs. Qasim scored 72 for Kohsar Blues, while Saqib scored 29. For Sinmar CC Navas and Naweed picked up 2 wickets apiece.
Navas CP was named player of the match for his all-around performance.
Brief Match Score:
Sinmar CC 207/4 ( Hazim Hamza 45, Navas 42)
Kohsar Blues 204/6 (Qasim 72, Navas 2/30, Naweed 2/28)
Match Result: Sinmar CC won by 3 runs
