Sharjah: Skyline University skipper Khalid Shah led from the front to stop formidable American University of Sharjah (AUS) and lift the Maxtalent Global Sports (MGS) Pride Cup in the annual Inter-University cricket tournament. This tournament, which is in its 11th edition, is held under the aegis of Sharjah Cricket Council and is supported by Emirates Cricket Board.
Khalid cracked 123 off 58 balls to guide Skyline to 216 for 3 in 20 overs. Chasing the total, American University could muster only 191 for 8 in the 20 overs and win by 25 runs. He had performed consistently throughout the tournament to walk away with the player of the final, best batsman and player of the tournament award.
Playing a pivotal role by scoring 236 runs from four matches he had also bagged five wickets.
AUS, after elected to field first, wanting to hold Skyline to a moderate total. Openers Khalid and Farhan Babar put on 82 runs to set the stage for a good total. Farhan hit 24 runs while Shahjahan Khan hit 24 runs off just 11 balls.
Skyline took wickets at regular intervals to put AUS under pressure. AUS skipper Saeed Anwar fought hard through his 69 runs off 33 balls. Hamza Maqbool fell six runs short of half century through a 28 balls innings. Aamar Yasir too scored 23 off 11. Shazaib Shakil taking 2 for 22 was the most successful Skyline bowler.
Speaking to Gulf News, Sudhakar Shetty, Managing Director of Maxtalent Global Sports, who has visualised and staged the event for 11 years, said: “The final saw Skyline learn from their past mistakes and beat AUS, who had won the trophy three times. I am delighted with the enthusiasm with which this tournament is being played at the University level.”
Pramod Mahajan, Director and Principal of Sharjah Indian School, distributed the prizes. Mukul Jayaraj who took seven wickets won the best bowler award.
Brief scores:
Skyline University bt American University of Sharjah by 25 runs. Skyline 216 for 3 in 20 overs (Khalid Shah 123, Shahjahan Khan 24, Farhan Babar 24) AUS 191 for 8 in 20 overs (Saeed Anwar 69, Hamza Maqbool 44, Aamar Yasir 23, Shazaib Shakil 2 for 22).
