Players of the five teams that are participating in the West End Park Eid Tournament — Al-Hanzab, United Challengers, Stallions/Sarandeep, Choudhary A and Choudhary B.
West End Park Stadium again played host to some exciting cricket contests as the West End Park Eid Cricket Tournament got underway on Wednesday evening.
The two-day tournament will see five teams of eight members each play seven-overs-a-side match in a round-robin format, and two teams with the highest points tally will qualify for the final.
In the first match, Choudhary A beat a combined team of Stallions/Sarandeep by three wickets. Stallions/Sarandeep posted a score of 68 runs in the stipulated 7 overs, with Asran (26) and Marso (29) doing the bulk of scoring. Choudhary A overhauled the target with an over to spare. Taimoor (24) and Iqbal (17) helped their side to victory.
Next up, Al-Hanzab posted an impressive 33-run victory over United Challengers. Batting first, Al-Hanzab scored 87 runs in 7 overs, with Khurram (45) and Sanka (29) leading the scoresheets. Challengers’ Shakir scalped two wickets. In reply, Challengers fell short by 33 runs and only managed 54 runs in 7 overs. Santhil (30) and Sandeep (19) did their best to boost their side’s chase but ultimately fell short. Hanzab’s Khurram and Amjad took one wicket apiece.
In the third match, Stallions/Sarandeep yet again lost by three wickets to Choudhary B. A massive improvement from their previous effort, Stallions/Sarandeep hit a respectable 93 for 4 in the 7 overs, with Marso (27) and Asran (21) in good form. Their effort was undone by Faisel, who blasted 54 runs in 17 balls, and Choudhary B overhauled the target with five balls to spare. Faisel was supported by Khalid (31). Ashan (2) and Samudo (1) were the wicket takers for Stallions/Sarandeep.
Al-Hanzab ensured they stay unbeaten on the opening day of the tournament with a 16-run victory over Choudhary A. Hanzab chose to bat first and hit 87 for 5 in 7 overs, with Khurram (44) leading the scoresheets. In reply, Choudhary A could only score 62 for 6 in 7 overs, with Imour scoring 26 and Fahim putting up 18.
The organisers of the tournament include West End Park chairman Mana Ibrahim al-Mana, West End Park head of Sport Michael Scallon, tournament director Gul Khan Jadoon and other officials.
“Congratulations to all the teams for providing a great evening of cricket,” al-Mana said.
“Eid provides a good window for domestic cricket during the holidays. I am delighted the Eid Tournament has been well received. The short (7-over) format has offered much excitement to players and spectators alike. Competition will become even fiercer in the later games.”
The organisers appreciate the support of Century 21, U Save Cars, Solo Events, Green Facilities and Gulf Bridge Services.
