Abu Dhabi: DBMSC Steel Kings were crowned Sprite Cricket Stars champions after beating Al Jaber Blazers in front of more than 15,000 cheering fans and former Pakistan star Shoaib Akhtar at the Shaikh Zayed International Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The finalists were presented with the Sprite Cricket Stars Trophy and runners-up prize by ex-fast bowler Akhtar, who has been an ambassador for the tournament for the past two years. DBMSC Steel Kings received Dh50,000 prize money and Al Jaber Blazers Dh25,000.
This event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Labour.
Sprite’s partner, the NGO SmartLife Foundation, also named Dulsco as the winners of their day-long Smart Cup tournament. They beat Al Ghurair by seven wickets after restricting their opponents to 59 for eight from their 10 overs. Duslco reached the target in six overs, losing only three wickets.
As a mark of respect for the tragic death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, Akhtar led the teams and the packed stadium in a minute’s silence.
The stakes were high in the Sprite Cricket Stars competition, as anyone who hit Akhtar for a six was being offered Dh100,000. One labourer narrowly missed the boundary.
As nobody was able to hit Akhtar, who has bowled the fastest ball ever recorded, for a maximum, Sprite donated the prize to the UAE Red Crescent Society.
Semi-final games were played between Dulsco Blasters and DBMSC Steel Kings and Al Jaber Blazers and AF Carillion Bulldozers.
