TAXILA(SBR):Koliyan Eleven emerged as champions of the Fourth HMC Hard Ball Cricket Tournament after defeating Strikers Cricket Club by six wickets in a thrilling final held at the HMC Cricket Ground. The highlight of the match was a breathtaking innings by Usman Shah, who was named Player of the Match for his explosive 83 runs off just 34 balls.
Batting first, Strikers Cricket Club posted a competitive total of 183 runs in their allotted 20 overs, losing all wickets. Ismail played a responsible knock, scoring 50 runs off 40 balls, while Ahsan Saleem added 38, and Rana Fasih smashed a quickfire 29 from just 15 deliveries. For Koliyan Eleven, Haji Usman and Usman Shah both took two wickets, with Umar Khabbhi contributing one.
In response, Koliyan Eleven chased down the target in 18 overs, losing only four wickets. Usman Shah's aggressive batting set the tone for the successful run chase, supported by a solid 35 off 26 balls from Shani DSP and an impressive 30-run contribution by Naveed. Ismail claimed two wickets for Strikers, while Rashid Latif and Rana Fasih picked up one each.
Following the match, the chief guest, renowned social figure of Taxila, Malik Sohail Akhtar, distributed prizes and encouraged the players. In a major announcement welcomed with loud cheers, Malik Sohail pledged to install a dedicated practice net for hardball cricket at the ground, fulfilling a long-standing dream of local cricketers.
The winning team, Koliyan Eleven, was awarded a trophy along with a cash prize of PKR 40,000, while the runner-up, Strikers Cricket Club, received a trophy and PKR 20,000. Additionally, the organizing committee was rewarded with PKR 50,000 for their efforts.
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