Alubond Tigers lift Twenty20 Challenge Cup

Dubai: In a clash between two of the best domestic cricket teams in the UAE, Alubond Tigers beat Ibsons Cricket Club by seven wickets to win the Mulk Holdings T20 Challenge Cup. Held under the auspices of Ajman Cricket Council and under the patronage of Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the final was played at the ICC Global Cricket Academy grounds.

While a keenly fought final was expected, the Tigers transformed the clash into a one-sided contest. It all began with Ibsons being restricted to a score of 100. From the very first over, Alubond went for the kill, claiming wickets at regular intervals.

Nasir Aziz, Sultan Ahmad and Amjad claimed two wickets each for Alubond.

In reply, openers Prasanth Braggs hit 47 runs and Shehzad Manna scored 38 as the Tigers chased down the target in the eleventh over.

The final was attended by leading figures from the UAE cricket fraternity and representatives of the sponsors Mulk Holdings. Dr Shafi Ul Mulk and Amair Ul Mulk, joint venture partners of Mulk Holdings, presented the winners trophy along with a cash prize of Dh15,000.

Individual awards and cash prizes were also given out on the occasion. Habib Gazi of Ibsons took the award for best batsman and Nasir Aziz of Alubond Tigers was named best bowler. Shehzad Manna of Alubond Tigers was adjudged player of the final. Salman Babar of Interface Transworld won the player of the tournament award.