Dubai: The final match of the ongoing Bhatkal Premier League (BPL) cricket tournament in Dubai will be played on Sunday, February 1, at the JMR Oval Ground in Sharjah, near Ajman. The summit clash between two formidable teams — AZ Diamond Riders and Ras Bahar Challengers — is expected to be a nail-biting and thrilling contest.
Speaking to SahilOline Afaq Naite, an active member of the BPL, said that the tournament, which began on January 4 and has been held every Sunday, featured eight teams. Players from Bhatkal, Murdeshwar and Manki residing in Dubai and other Emirates were selected through an auction in all the 8 teams. As a result, all eight teams proved to be highly competitive.
He added that after a series of exciting and closely fought league matches, the semi-finals were also intensely competitive. Hundreds of cricket enthusiasts from Bhatkal and surrounding areas, residing across Dubai and other Emirates, have been flocking to the cricket ground every Sunday to witness the matches. The tournament has successfully provided a common platform for youths scattered across different parts of the UAE to come together.
Afaq Naite further informed that the 20-over final match will commence at 3:30 pm on Sunday, and all necessary preparations for the grand finale have been completed. In the final, AZ Diamond Riders will be represented by Bhatkal’s leading bowler Sameem Khateeb, while Ras Bahar Challengers will be led by star all-rounder Furqan S.M.
Meanwhile, BPL Commissioner Taha Muallim stated that the primary objective of the tournament was to bring together youths from Bhatkal and nearby areas who are residing in different cities of Dubai and other Emirates. He said the BPL committee has been successful in achieving this goal. Players based in the UAE showcased outstanding performances, providing quality cricket entertainment to the Bhatkal diaspora.
BPL Chairman Yasar Qasimji announced that the tournament winners will receive a cash prize of AED 9,999 along with a trophy, while the runners-up team will be awarded AED 7,777 along with a trophy.
It may be noted that the final match will be live streamed on SahilOnline’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/sahilonline.
Recalling the semi-finals, AZ Diamond Riders scored 171 runs in the first semi-final and edged past Rising Stars by just six runs in a thrilling finish. In the second semi-final, Ras Bahar Challengers chased down a massive target of 197 runs set by T2 Party Officials in the final over to register a remarkable victory.
