Inaugural IMAAD 6-a-side Cricket Tournament

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Event Review

On Saturday 19th July, 4 teams and 24 players took part in IMAAD's inaugural cricket tournament. The buzz that was present before the tournament turned out to be just a taster of the twists and turns that would take place in the next 4 hours.

The 4 teams, 'IMAAD', 'Raza's XI', 'Team Asad Younis' and 'Mahroof XI.' initially played each other in round robin format. Over these 6 matches, it seemed for all the world that the outcome of the tournament would be clear. 'IMAAD' dispatched all teams they came up against with some crushing batting displays and disciplined bowling - recording a maximum 9 points for their three wins. Following IMAAD was the similarly impressive 'Team Asad Younis' who, apart from a solitary defeat, recorded 6 points. Awesome batting peformances ensured these 2 victories and no-one was betting against them meeting 'IMAAD' in the final. Bringing up the bottom of the table were 'Raza's XI' and 'Mahroof's XI' on 3 points and 0 points respectively.

Semi Final 1

Who then could have predicted what was to follow in the semi-final of the competition? With 'IMAAD' winning the group and 'Mahroof's XI' coming last - the two were set to meet in the first semi-final. 'IMAAD' batted first and contrary to their usual carefree scoring, were restricted to just 57 in their 5 overs (eminently reachable in indoor cricket). This effort was largely thanks to a great opening over for 'Mahroof XI' from the skipper Mahroof and a great final over from Iftikhar Ali. Support bowling from Jabraan Ahmed, Haseeb Raja and Saif Aslam also helped as they took a wicket each in the middle of the innings.

As the sides swapped places in the field, skipper Mahroof again made himself the key by scoring heavily from the opening 10 balls to put his team in a commanding position to win the tie. 3 quick wickets though, 2 from Faisal Aslam put the tighteners on 'Mahroof's XI' and the tie was decided with batsmen Saif Aslam and Jabraan Ahmed needing 9 off the last over for victory. The rollercoaster tie resulted in 2 runs coming off the last ball to give the batting side the victory. The match showed wat indoor cricket was all about. The team who had won nothing triumphing over the seemingly invincible home team.

Semi Final 2

The second semi-final was another rollercoaster affair. Batting first, 'Raza's XI' scored the highest total of the tournament thanks to some awe-inspiring batting from team captain Raza and middle order plaer Rupen. After 3 sixes in a single over from the latter - it seemed that a mammoth total surpassing 85 would be the target for victory for 'Team Asad Younis'.

The chase was begun in great fashion thanks to the opening batsman who was in good touch throughout the whole tournament for 'Team Asad Younis'. Chasing a target where 17 runs an over was the required rate however - meant that a good opening over or two was not enough, indeed a superb 5 overs of batting were needed. With this in mind, the pressure mounted with every ball that was not a boundary and untimately, 'Team Asad Younis' succombed to the pressure - finishing on 73 after their alotted overs.

3/4 Play Off

Distraught as not making what both teams saw as 'their showpiece final' - the 3/4 place play-off was more of an anger managment lesson than an indoor cricket match. 'IMAAD' customarily batted first and unleashed the full spectre of their batting upon team 'Asad Younis' recording their highest total of the tournament around the 80 runs mark.

As the teams swapped places an equally impressive bowling display ensued with 'IMAAD' secure of victory 2 overs from the end. Imaad then were awarded thrid place and cruelly 'Team Asad Younis' were consigned to last position.

FINAL

With the tournament shell shocked in the semi-finals it was fair to ask whether the two underdogs could deliver as good a match in the finale as they both displayed in the previous matches. Batting first, 'Raza's XI' certainly could as they mustered another daunting total of over 70. Once more Raza and Rupen were on hand to smash 'Mahroof's XI's' bowlers all around the indoor arena, the latter's players unable to reproduce the tight discipline they showed against 'IMAAD's' batters.

Finals however, bring out the best in players who are willing to give their all for the big occasion......well actually not this time! After winning only 1 game all day, it was vital for 'Mahroof's XI' to bat solidly and not lose wickets. Despute the captain's best efforts he saw his fellow team mates crumble under the onslaught of a great 'Raza XI' fielding display. Not even the heroic last stand of Jabraan Ahmed could give his side the famous victory the crowd wanted but perhaps credit should be given for 'Mahroof's XI' simply reaching the final by beating IMAAD, something no other team could manage during 4 hours of cricket. The day and final word however, belonged to 'Raza's XI' who held the trophy aloft for a memorable and unexpected tournament victory.

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