Ayaz Ali’s four wickets clinch Sprite Cricket Stars title

Denzil Pinto 11:12 05/12/2015
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  • Stars on show: Shoaib and KP.

    Ayaz Ali’s four-wicket haul proved to be the difference as Rowdies were crowned Sprite Cricket Stars champions with an eight-wicket win in front of a packed house in Abu Dhabi on Friday night.

    With an estimated 10,000 people watching at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, it was certainly a vibrant atmosphere especially with former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar and batsman Kevin Pietersen showcasing their talent in an exhibition match.

    That set the platform for a thrilling finale between Rowdies and Dubai Municipality. After electing to bat first in the eight-over match, Dubai Municipality had a tough time at the crease.

    With Tariq Rasool out for a duck, Ali ripped into the top-order, removing Tauseef Asker (20), Umer Farooque (9), Majid Yasir (2) and Riaz Shahimders (0). It was a superb spell from Ali, who finished with figures of 4-2 as Muncipality scored 58-7. 

    Chasing, Rowdies were out of the blocks fast. Zafar Iqbal was in blistering form and hit two sixes and two boundaries off nine balls, before falling to Jafar Shahabas for 26. Captain Mohammad Ijaz (6) was then sent back to the pavilion. With 18 needed from 26, Waqar Baig (15) saw them home in the fifth over to win by eight wickets.

    For Ijaz, who collected the Dh50,000 prize cheque, it was a moment to savour. “This really is a dream come true. To win this tournament is a great feeling especially in front of a big crowd with Kevin Pietersen and Shoaib Akhtar. In the beginning, we didn’t let Dubai Muncipality score too much. Ayaz Ali bowled a superb spell and that set the platform for us.” 

    His opposite number, Thahir Hayat was disappointed but could not fault his players. “They put us under pressure and after losing wickets, it was tough. But our players put in a lot of work to come this far and we can certainly be proud of our efforts.”

    The event also saw the Sprite 24/7 Project, supported by Pietersen’s KP24 Foundation, come to close.

    Pakistan were crowned champions in that tournament as sixty underprivileged children from Sri Lanka, India, Kenya and Australia showcased their talent during their 10-day trip.

    For Pietersen, it was a great finish to a grand effort.

    “It’s been the best week of my sporting life,” said the 35-year-old. “There were 60 kids here and if they can go back to their family and to many other people and let it have a ripple effect on the experience of what we’ve given these kids, then that is what makes me happy.”

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