Saudi Ericsson triumphs

Unbeaten Saudi Ericsson was crowned champions when the beat Astro XI in the final of the inaugural Saudi Ericsson Premier League Cricket, which was played at the Eidgah ground in Riyadh recently. Eight teams took part in this tournament, which took off on Dec. 22 and concluded on Jan. 19 2012. Batting first, Saudi Ericsson's Ashfaq Ahmer and Sajid Abbasi steadied the innings and put on the highest partnership of the tournament. Ashfaq Ahmer's 78, included five sixes, which came off 36 balls. Sajid Abbasi matched him as his 86 had 10 hits over the fence and came off 38 balls. Ericsson set their rivals a target of 209 to win off 16 overs. In reply, Astro XI was all out 153 runs. Ashfaq Ahmer was declared Man of the Match in the final for his all-round performance. Ahmer scored 78 runs and later took 4-19 runs. The tournament concluded on a glittering note at Al Haya Conference Hall. Chief guests Robin Edward Poole and Alex Elyassih gave away the awards. The following won the SEPL awards: 1. Player of the Tournament and Best Bowler: Ashfaq Ahmer, 193 runs and 12 wkts. 2. Best Batsman of the Tournament: Sajid Abbasi, 235 runs (24 sixes). 3. All-round performer of the tournament: Syed Anwar Fazil, 131 runs and 8 wkts 4. Best bowling performance: Mohammed Shabbir Ali, 8 Wkts.