Jubail: Eagalite emerge victorious in Al- Falah Premier League 2016

Jubail: Al- Falah Premier League 2016, a popular cricket festival in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, came to an end with the final match played on 8th April at Al- Falah ground under floodlights. Al- Aad IMS cricket who seemed favorite to win the final lost to Egalite in a well fought battle which saw nail biting finish.

Earlier, Al- Aad won the toss and elected to bat to capitalize the chasing benefit. As calculated by Al- Aad IMS, the EAGLITE lost their crucial three wickets Hamza, Badi and Jabir within the power play. However, thanks to wonderful innings by Arsath and Qayyoom, EGALITE ended up amassing huge score of 78 in 8 overs.

Al- Aad IMS opener entered crease with lot confidence as have humbled many a team in their run up to final of Al- Falah Premier League 2016. However, the strong batting line of Al- Aad IMS was in trouble in the start itself by losing the strongmen like Rafiq and Akhthar. But Raheel and Azad steadied the innings with a good partnership giving a threat to EGALITE that any winning chance for them depends on breaking this partnership. After spending some anxious moments EAGALITE succeeded in breaking this partnership and this put the pressure on Al- Aad IMS with score board showed 16 runs in 6 balls.

The last over cliff-hanger kept the audience on tenterhooks. After the first dot ball, the second claimed a wicket for EGALITE. But Hidayath of AL- Aad IMS rose the Al- Aad IMS supporters to their feet with two successive sixes and a four in third, fourth and fifth ball with 3 runs required in the ultimate ball. The man of the moment Hidayath raised the expectation. Everyone thought he would send the last ball to either four or six.

But, Egalite’s last ball delivery made a lasting difference. Hidayth could only drive the ball towards long on with a fielder awaiting with no chance for second that would tie the match. The batsmen took chance and ran for the second . But the straight throw by Arsath gave the wicket keeper any chance for the wicket keeper to drop the bail before the batsman reached the crease. EGALITE were gifted with a well-deserved win in the end. A spectacular man of the match performance by Arsath gave the EAGLITE a victory to remember for long time. Arsath scored an unbeaten 27 in 11 balls as well as snatched two crucial wickets for the benefit of his team.

The valedictory function which followed the final match was more than a usual presentation ceremony. It was a celebration of crickets’ cause. Mr. Nazeeer Hussain Padubidri, the man behind the one and only flood light cricket facility in JUBAIL feels that game of cricket has evolved to have a healing touch on perils our society. He thinks game of cricket can take up the cause for charity very well and it should be played for charitable causes. Returns of the most of the cricket tourney held at Al- Falah Cricket ground invariably goes for the cause of charity. Mr. Nazeer, Managing Director of Al- Falah group of companies feels blessed in this way for creating an avenue for cricket here in the form of Al- Falah Cricket Ground. Mr. Nazeer finds it a fulfillment when he sees large number youth gathering in Al- Falah ground week after week for some or other cricket tourneys. Expatriates youth who remain starved of entertainment finds the Al- Falah cricket a weekend time pass spot to enjoy the cricketing moments.

Al- Falah cricket club (ACC) mentored by Mr. Nazeer made sure that all arrangements were made in most professional way to celebrate the glory of cricket. Elaborate arrangements were made for preparing the stage for the valedictory function. While speaking in the presentation ceremony, the Al- Falah MD pledged his support for cricket further and dedicated Al- Falah cricket ground to celebrate the spirit of cricket. Mr. Nazeer who grew from a humble background has carved out a craving place among Industrialists in Jubail. His hard work, penchant for discipline and sophistication, untiring enthusiasm have made him a respectable figure among business tycoons in Jubail.

Mr. Murari Trivedi, MD of AMCC Mahindra, Mr. Ayoub Syed, GM AMCC Mahindra and Mr. Jamaludeen Mansouri, Dy. GM AMCC Mahindra KSA were guests of honor on the occasion. At the start of match, the two teams gathered in the middle to receive support and motivation from the guests of honor. National Anthem of Saudi Arabia and India were sung.

Al- Falah Premier League cricket which began six weeks ago saw participation of best teams from Jubail, Dammam, Khobar, Al- Hassa and Riyadh. The spectacular evening event had a rare guest Mr. Mohammed Hashmathullah Khan, a certified NLP master coach, a life coach and therapist. Mr. Hashmathullah enthused the audience with a short cerebral speech.

Mr. Arsath, the man of the match was honored by Mr. Shaikh of EXPERTISE Industrial Services. Mr. Latheef of Eastern Blue team was given a special award for his best catch by Mr. Hashmathullah Khan. Mr. Jabir, the best wicket keeper was honored by Mr. Hathim Kulur of Al- Falah group. Mr. Asrath from EGALITE was given best bowler award by Mr. Asif. Mr. Raheez of Al- Aad IMS team was best batsman of the tournament and Hamza of EGALITE was adjudged as the man of the series.