Oman Cricket: Ardaf emerge inaugural champions of Salalah Cricket League

Sports Saturday 04/March/2017 18:49 PM
By: Times News Service
Oman Cricket: Ardaf emerge inaugural champions of Salalah Cricket League

Muscat: Ardaf LLC defeated Taba Trading by 48 runs to emerge the inaugural champions of Pocari Sweat Salalah Cricket League in Salalah on Friday.
After electing to bat first, Ardaf LLC scored 160 for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. Mohammed Ilyas top scored with 56 runs while Ali Zain and Qalab Shah contributed 53 and 26 runs respectively.
For Taba Trading, Sachin bagged three wickets while Numan and Ashok took two and one wicket respectively.
In reply, Taba Trading were all out for 112 in 16.4 overs. Shailesh top scored with 28 runs. Hameed and Ashok scored 26 and 15 runs respectively.
For Ardaf, Rubab Ali claimed three wickets in three overs while Qalab Shah and Shaheed took two wickets.
The historic final was presided over Kanak Khimji, Chairman Oman Cricket, while Moosa Ahmed Al Mas’hali Director-General of Sports Affairs for Dhofar Governorate, was the guest of honour.
Anil Khimji, Director of Khimji Group of companies, Oman Cricket board member Dilip Mehta, general secretary Madhu Jesrani, treasurer Kiran Asher, Chief Development Officer and national coach Duleep Mendis, Oman team captain Sultan Ahmed, OC Women’s Cricket co-ordinator Vaishali Jesrani and other OC officials including Iqbal Ariwala were also present on the occasion.
While Pocari Sweat were the title sponsors, the league was also supported by Chickoo Sweets, Al Bayan water, Dhofar Beverages and Al Raazi Group of Hospitals.
Chief guest Kanak Khimji, Oman Cricket chief, guest of honour Moosa Ahmed Al Mas’hali, Director-General of Sports Affairs for Dhofar Governorate, handed over the prizes.
Speaking on the occasion, Oman Cricket Chief Development Officer Duleep Mendis revealed the governing body’s plans for cricket development in Salalah and other regions of Oman.
Vaishali Jesrani, co-ordinator for women’s cricket at Oman Cricket, briefed about women cricket in Oman and stressed the need to start women’s cricket in Salalah.
Oman Cricket Club Salalah General Secretary S. Anil Kumar, Nilesh Derani and John Rajamoney also spoke on the ocasion.
Individual honours
Player of the final: Mohammed Ilyas Ardaf LLC
Player of the series: Numan of Taba Trading
Player of the series (consolation): Mohammed Ilyas of Ardaf LLC
Best batsman: Sashika of Gharbia Enterprises
Best bowler: Sachin of Taba Trading
Best bowler (consolation): Asif Ali of Al Twarja