CMD Service United defeated AVI (Arabian Vehicle Industry) by five wickets in the final to emerge champion of the Zahid Premier League (ZPL-2011) Cricket Tournament at the Western Province Cricket Association ground here.
The two-month-long championship was conducted by Zahid Tractor, as part of its social activities for its employees. The tournament pitted 10 teams from various companies and divisions of Zahid Group against each other.
Amr Khashoggi, Vice President Corporate Affairs, Zahid Group; Dr. Zoulfikar Khalil Raychouni, Corporate Consultant, and Zia-Ur-Rehman, Product Manager, Caterpillar Machines, supervised the event.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, AVI Strikers tallied 88 runs in the allotted 12 overs against some tough bowling from CMD Service in the final. Amir (20 runs), Usman (17) and Nadeem (16) were the main scorers. Udara and Sumadu claimed 2 wickets each by conceding 19 and 10 runs respectively.
In reply, CMD openers Udara and Azmath provided a good start. But Nisar brought AVI back into the game by getting rid of Udara and Azmath. He took 3 wickets for just 13 runs. However, Shahid Zia stayed cool and built the innings to take CMD to 75 for 6 in the 10th over. Needing 7 runs from the last over, bowled by rival skipper Masood, Azfar Quddus steered CMD Service to victory on the last ball.
Waseem M. Ahmed, Vice President, ZPL, made the welcome address during the prize distribution ceremony. Dr. Raychouni commended the efforts of the organizing committee.
A decent crowd, including family members and Zahid Group Management, witnessed the final.
ZPL President Samiruddin Ibrahim thanked the players, umpiring panel, guests and family members, and all of those who contributed to the success of this first tournament.
– SG __
