The Leopards of American University of Sharjah (AUS) defeated Sunway University in an exciting final to win the Invitational Cricket Series held by Sports Network Solutions (SNS) at the SSU Club Cricket Ground in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia recently.

Batting first, AUS accumulated a total of 214 runs with Hammad Hussain scoring 72, and being ably assisted by Ahsan Aftab, Mohammed Umar Shaikh and Mohsin Rashid Sheikh. In reply, Sunway University batsmen found it difficult to face the fierce bowling attack of Fazal Rehman - with three wickets and a run-out - Muhammad Nasir, Syed Hussain, Musaab Khalid Khan and Faizan Aqeel Rahim. Aided by some spectacular fielding, the Leopards bowled out Sunway University for a paltry total, winning the final by a mammoth 161 runs.

Hammad Hussain of AUS was declared the Man of the Match while Umar Shaikh won the Batsman of the Series award. The Leopards were presented with the winning trophy and medals while Sunway University received the runner up trophy from SNS officials. Dr. Mohamed Helal, Director of AUS Student Athletics and Recreation Department, was also present on the occasion.

In her message on the occasion, Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, congratulated the players on their great success and appreciated their hard work and dedication throughout the season. She said that such international achievements bring honor not just to the students but to the university as well.

The series had begun with AUS playing against the TPCA cricket team, which the Leopards won by nine runs. Elected to bat first, AUS openers Umar Shaikh and Hammad Hussain played great knocks as the rest of the team took the score to 139 in the allotted 20 overs. In reply, TPCA players fought well till the end but AUS bowlers Faizan Aqeel Rahim, Fazal Rehman, Musaab Khalid Khan and Muhammad Nasir restricted the run chase a score of 130, setting up a thrilling nine-run victory.

The second match of the series against the SCA Colts was washed out by rain after AUS batsmen Umar Shaikh and Hammad Hussain once again gave the Leopards a flying start.