Tournament First in Turkey

The first cricket tournament of 2005 opened on the 18th June in the capital city of Turkey, Ankara, thanks to the ECC funding of a new Fiicx pitch for the Turkey Cricket Association. On this occasion, Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed Shah, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Turkey and Mr. Ali Do_ramac?, Rector Bilkent University, were the chief guests.

There were four teams participating in this tournament namely Bilkent University, Middle East Technical University, Ankara Stars and Desi of Istanbul.

The first round was based on knockout basis with Ankara Stars taking on Bilkent University in the first match and Desi of Istanbul against Middle East Technical University in the second. Bilkent University and Middle East Technical University qualified for the finals.

We saw some great cricket in the final match. Bilkent University batting first made 139 in 20 overs for the loss of 8 wickets with Asim Shah highest scorer with 40 runs. Asad Ghalib was the most successful bowler from the METU side taking 5 wickets, 4 of them coming on consecutive deliveries. In reply, METU reached the target in 16 overs with Farhan Ali showing some great stroke play and making 49 (not out). At one stage it looked as if Bilkent could win the match, METU had lost 7 wickets and needed another 53 runs. However, METU won the match by 3 wickets.

Farhan Ali was named Man of the Tournament for his impressive 5 wickets from 4 overs giving just 13 runs against Desi of Istanbul and his match winning innings in the final game against Bilkent University.