AUS cricketers emerge victorious in Sri Lanka Cricket Tournament

Under the captaincy of Mohammed Umar Shaikh, a 16-member American University of Sharjah (AUS) cricket team participated in the Sri Lanka Cricket Tournament for universities held in Negombo, Sri Lanka, April 1- 4, 2016. The AUS team won the series 3-0.

AUS batsmen Hussam Badi Uz Zaman, Mohammed Umar Shaikh and Muhammad Saeed Anwar excelled with the bat while the bowlers Furqan Ashiq, Faizan Aqeel, Fouad Azfar Khan, Bilal Khan and Pubudu Tharanga prevented the run flow of the opponents by claiming their wickets at the right occasions. AUS played three matches in the series, the first with Hemamali College, Negombo, and the other two with players from different universities and clubs.The AUS Leopards won the first match against Hemamali College by seven wickets and defeated the players in the second match by a margin of 56 runs. Hussam Badi Uz Zaman and Furqan Ashiq from AUS were declared the Man of the Match in the first and second matches, respectively.

Under the hot and humid conditions, the AUS team fought well in their third match and achieved their final victory of the tournament by a margin of 57 runs. It was a spectacular display of cricketing skills from the Leopards. AUS batsman Saeed Anwar remained not out with a score of 86 and was later declared Man of the Match.In the prize distribution ceremony held at Kaderana Cricket Club ground in Negombo, C P Hettiarachi, Principal of Galahitiya Hemamali College, presented the awards. AUS Cricketer Hussam Badi Uz Zaman received the Player of the Tournament award along with the Best Batsman of the Tournament title while Furqan Ashiq of AUS became the Bowler of the Tournament.

Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students, congratulated the cricket team on their great achievement in Sri Lanka. "Such international appearances are definitely helpful in improving your skills in the varied conditions, but it also provides ample opportunities to interact with peers from different walks of life and cultures," Dr. Al Shehhi said.