Dubai: The Bhatkal Premier League (BPL) cricket tournament, held at the JMR Oval Ground in Sharjah near Ajman, concluded in a grand and successful manner on Sunday, February 1.
In the final match, AZ Diamond Riders produced a dominant performance to defeat Ras Bahar Challengers and lift the coveted title, while Ras Bahar finished as runners-up. The tournament, which began on January 4, was played every Sunday and witnessed enthusiastic participation and strong support from cricket lovers.
In the final, AZ Diamond Riders won the toss and elected to field first. Although some cricket experts questioned the decision considering the pitch and ground conditions, the AZ bowlers justified the call with disciplined and aggressive bowling. Ras Bahar’s dangerous opener Ismail Khan, who had smashed two sixes to score 16 runs off just six deliveries, was dismissed on the final ball of an over by Mohammed Rais. Soon after, Asjad Durga was caught by Marwan Shanu off the bowling of Mohammed Ali Joshiddi, while Abdul Majeed Sheikh was run out following brilliant fielding by Samran Jukaku.
Thereafter, Ras Bahar’s batting line-up collapsed as wickets fell at regular intervals, and the entire team was bowled out for just 113 runs on the first ball of the 18th over.
Mohammed Ali Joshiddi, who had energized his team throughout the tournament with both bat and ball, once again delivered a match-winning performance in the final. He scored a valuable 29 runs and claimed four wickets, playing a crucial role in restricting the opposition.
For Ras Bahar, Suhaim Jubapu was the top scorer with 28 runs, while Shahid Sheikh starred for AZ Diamond Riders with an impressive half-century, scoring 50 runs. AZ Diamond Riders comfortably chased down the target, reaching 114 runs for the loss of four wickets on the very first ball of the 17th over.
It is noteworthy that AZ Diamond Riders had asserted their dominance right from the opening match of the tournament. In the very first encounter, they defeated Ras Bahar Challengers in a thrilling contest, successfully chasing a challenging target of 168 runs on the third ball of the final over. In that match, tournament’s most expensive player Mohammed Ali Joshiddi—acquired by AZ Riders for 105 points—created history by smashing six consecutive sixes in a single over, becoming the first batsman from Bhatkal to achieve the feat. He scored 63 runs off just 19 balls and also impressed with the ball, conceding only 21 runs while taking two wickets.
AZ Diamond Riders continued their winning momentum by defeating Luxury Zone Titans by four wickets in the second match, followed by a seven-wicket victory over Dr Haneef Warriors in the third match. In the semi-final, they edged past Rising Stars in another thrilling encounter, winning by six wickets to seal a place in the final.
Ras Bahar Challengers, on the other hand, made a strong comeback after losing their opening match. They defeated Dr Haneef Warriors by three wickets in their second match, outplayed Luxury Zone Titans by eight wickets in the third match, and went on to beat T2 Party Officials by four wickets in the semi-final to book their spot in the final.
In the individual awards category, Ras Bahar’s Ismail Khan was adjudged Best Batsman for scoring an impressive 237 runs in the tournament. Rising Stars’ Sahil Sawda received the Best Bowler award, while AZ Diamond Riders’ Mohammed Ali Joshiddi was named Man of the Tournament for his outstanding all-round performance, having scored over 200 runs and taken more than ten wickets. He was also given a special award for hitting six sixes in an over and was adjudged Man of the Match in the final.
The Fair Play Award, instituted in the name of late Community leader S.M. Syed Khalil, was also won by AZ Diamond Riders, and the award was received by team owner Zeeshan R.S.
At the closing ceremony, the chief guest, Muaz S.M., Managing Director of S.M. Rahmani Company, congratulated the BPL Committee for successfully organizing the tournament in a well-planned and professional manner. He also congratulated the teams that finished first and second. Suggesting a way forward, he said that instead of organizing tournaments through different groups in Dubai, members of the Bhatkal community should unite to conduct such events collectively, which would further strengthen unity and harmony. He also emphasized inviting members of other communities to participate in such tournaments. Several BPL office-bearers and community leaders, including Mohammed Ghouse Khalifa, Shariyar Khateeb, Jailani Mohtisham, Abdul Sattar Lanka, Nashit Barmawar, Zia Jukaku, Abdul Mateen D.F., and Aqeel Siddibapa, were present on the occasion.
Earlier, BPL Committee Convener Taha Muallim welcomed the gathering, Chairman Yasir Qasimji presided over the function, Imran Khateeb conducted the proceedings, and Afaq Naite proposed the vote of thanks. Appreciation was also extended to commentators Sameer Hindustani and Altaf Pathan, photographer Rafey Shareef, scorers Uqba Ruknuddin and Mueed Shingeri, along with several other officials whose efforts contributed to the grand success of the tournament.