Winter Cup cricket tourney takes off in Riyadh

The ISC MASH Winter Cup got off to a flying start with century and number of fifties being scored on the opening day last week. It was giving a festive look on the ground as the players wearing their team colors were battling out for their respective teams at the Eidga ground, giving a wonderful sight to watch. The tournament was inaugurated by A, Qadir Mirza, Group General Manager of Banque Saudi Fransi. Mirza declared the games open. The colorful opening ceremony, which included prizes, cups and trophies were unveiled by Mir Muzaffer Ali, general manager of Jahan Jewelary Co, Riyadh. Nazeer, captain of MCC took the oath on behalf of all the players. The function was also attended by Nadeem Abu Harba, operations manager of SAICO. Mohammed Mustaq, vice president for operations of Mash Logistics, the sponsors of tournament, announced to sponsor the tournament every year, while responding to the response and enthusiasm of the cricket players and audience on this occasion. He said that he would love to promote cricket in Saudi Arabia. Muntashir, Mujtaba and Ridaa, the young cricket enthusiasts along with all the guest, released a flock of pigeons in the air to declare the start of the games. Dr Gayas Ahmed, chairman of the organizing committee, welcomed the guests and Mohammed Kaleem, secretary, delivered the vote of thanks. A total of six matches were played on the opening day and all the games were played under neutral umpires and with match referees to give maximum fairness to the game. The results and scores are given below. Results: Parker CC 241-6 off16 overs. Imran-55 (22) Asfaq 42 (11) Sajid 2-51 Deccan Champs-175-9 off 16 overs. Sajid 39 (13) Ashfaq 3-33 Ataulla 3-29. Parker won by 66 runs. Man of the match: Ashfaq United XI: 156 off16 overs. Jaan -67 (23) Abbas 3-23; Ilyaz 2-16. Saico C C khawar 81 (27). Saico won by 8 wickets. Man of the Match: Khawar Reliance 255 for 2 off 16 overs. Aamir 109 (47) 12-sixes, 4-fours. Rouf 59 (24), Ata 39 * (15). Alga Champs 178 off 16 overs. Moiz 41 (30), Obaid 40 (16 ). Reliance C C won by 76 runs. Man of the Match: Aamir Dar Twister 144-4 off 16 overs. Haider 60 *(24), Waqas 3-23. Arima C C 146 off15 overs. Butt 35 (24), Haider 3-32. Arima won by 5 wickets. Man of the Match: Waqas. Mohammadans C C 142-9 off 16 overs. zain 58 *(38), Sharieff 3-41. Chennai XI 145-6 off 12.3 overs. Naina 74 * (31), Zain 2-25. Chennai XI won by 4 wickets. Man of the Match: Naina Mohammed Bangalore C C 162-6 off16 overs. Ishtiaq 35 (24), Rahman 2-28; irfan 2- 27. Crescent C C 163-3 off 11.5 overs. Mustaq 51* (15), Baseer 48* (16). Crescent C C won by 7 wickets. Man of the Match: Mustaq From Arabnews