Bhatkal: In an exciting finale to the Under-16 cricket tournament organized by the Young Muslim Service Association (YMSA), Al Hilal from Makhdoom Colony defeated Al Falah from Kargidde by seven wickets, clinching the first prize trophy along with a cash award of ₹15,000. The runner-up, Al Falah, received a trophy and a cash prize of ₹10,000.

The final match, held on Monday at Taluka Stadium (YMSA Ground) in Bhatkal’s Nawayath Colony, captivated the crowd around the ground. Al Falah, winning the toss, opted to bat first and scored 101 runs for eight wickets in the ten-over match. All-rounder Naban played a stellar innings, scoring an unbeaten 47 off just 22 balls with six sixes and two fours.

When Al Hilal’s openers entered the crease, they struggled initially, failing to score in the first over bowled by Naban. However, they recovered quickly, scoring 27 runs off Suhaim's over. Al Falah took their first wicket in the fifth over when Ali was dismissed for 16 runs off 20 balls. Shamvil, kept up the momentum with an impressive 31 off 15 balls, hitting two sixes and three fours. He was later awarded Man of the Match. Al Falah’s bowlers struggled with control, conceding 28 extra runs, including 19 wides, five byes, and four no-balls.

The game intensified in the final two overs when Al Hilal needed 15 runs off the last 11 balls. Despite darkening clouds and slight rain, Al Hilal’s batsmen, Arman and Nabeed, remained undeterred. With a boundary on the last ball of the ninth over, Al Hilal clinched victory by seven wickets, sealing the championship.

Starting on October 19th, the Under-16 tournament saw participation from 20 teams from Bhatkal Taluk. Al Hilal reached the finals by defeating Sunshine by 13 runs in the first semi-final, while Al Falah secured its final spot by defeating YMSA.

Abdaan Abdul Baqi Ekkeri from Sunshine, with 251 runs and 23 sixes across four matches, emerged as the top scorer in the tournament. His innings of 76 against Shaheen Murdeshwar was the tournament’s highest individual score. In bowling, Al Hilal's Arman stood out with the highest number of wickets. YMSA achieved the tournament’s highest team score, posting 159 runs for one wicket in 10 overs against Cosmos, who closely followed with 147 for three, missing victory by just 12 runs.

The award ceremony featured YMSA President Fawwaz Sukri, General Secretary Advocate Afaq Kola, and active member Javed Hussain Armar, along with Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation’s President Maulana Wasiullah DF and General Secretary Mubasshir Hussain Hallare. The champions and runners-up were presented trophies and cash prizes of ₹15,000 and ₹10,000, respectively.

The organizers highlighted that the primary purpose of the tournament was to engage young people in healthy activities and to encourage them to step away from mobile screens. Hundreds of spectators joined the event, enjoying the lively atmosphere and the thrilling matches, marking the tournament’s purpose as a success.