Leopards win third consecutive AUS Intercollegiate T20 Cricket Tournament

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) cricket team registered a convincing seven-wicket victory over their archrivals Manipal University in the final match of the AUS Intercollegiate T20 tournament, winning the trophy for the third consecutive. The tournament was held April 11-17 at the AUS cricket field.

University of Sharjah, Ajman University of Science and Technology, Bits Pilani Dubai, Manipal University, Skyline University College and Canadian University took part in this knock-out tournament, which included day and night matches. Manipal University and AUS reached the finals by defeating Bits Pilani Dubai and Canadian University, respectively, in the semifinal stage.

In the much-awaited final, Manipal elected to bat after winning the toss. They only managed to score 128 runs, with Muhammad Nasir, Musaab Khalid khan, Sohaib Ali and Shahrukh Khan sharing the wickets for AUS.

In reply, the AUS opening pair of Rehan Ali and Mohammed Umer batted aggressively and scored numerous boundaries in their chase towards the total. However, close to the total, AUS lost Rehan Ali, Mohammed Umar and Ankur Gopal in quick succession. AUS skipper Sharukh Khan along Musaab Khan, checked the slide and guided the team to victory.

It was a spectacular performance by the AUS team, with their players doing exceedingly well with both the bat and the ball.

Rehan Ali of AUS was declared the Man of the Match while Mohammed Nasir from AUS was chosen as the Best Bowler of the Tournament. Dr. Mohamed Helal, Director of the Student Athletics and Recreation Department, presented the trophies and medals to the winners and runners-up.

"I want to congratulate our cricket team for winning the fifth edition of this popular tournament," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. "This tournament is becoming well-known among universities here. Many budding cricketers are attracted by our excellent facilities, and we are very happy to provide such opportunities for athletes to exhibit their talent," she added.