AUS cricketers retain intercollegiate title for fifth consecutive year

The seventh edition of the prestigious AUS Intercollegiate T20 Cricket Tournament concluded with a victory for the AUS Cricket team when they defeated the arch rivals Manipal University, Dubai, by seven wickets on December 17, 2014 at AUS cricket ground. AUS retained the cup for the fifth consecutive year with a spectacular display of cricketing skills by the Leopards.

Organized by the Student Athletics and Recreation Department of the Office of Student Affairs, the tournament was played on knock-out basis with the participation of eight major universities in the UAE.

AUS battled the University of Bolton, RAK, in the semifinal and restricted them with a score of 95 runs. Musaab Khalid, Muhammad Nasir, Hussam Badi, Muhammad Aqdas and Faizan Aqeel took the wickets for AUS. AUS batsman Umar Shaikh led the run chase with 51, along with Musaab Khalid and later assisted by Hammad Hussain reached the target in 12 overs to reach the finals. Faizan Aqeel of AUS became the Man of the Match by taking five wickets and four catches.

In the much awaited final, Manipal University Dubai scored 103 runs in the allotted 20 overs. Muhammad Nasir, Faizan Aqeel, Hammad Hussain and Ashiq Furqan shared the wickets for the Leopards. AUS lost their openers Umar Shaikh and Musaab Khalid in the run chase in early overs followed by Hammad Hussain, but Hussam Badi and Ahsan Aftab steadied the innings with some spectacular batting display to reach the target in the 18th over, winning the trophy for AUS.

Dr. Mohamed Helal, Director of Student Athletics and Recreation Department, presented the trophies and medals to the winners. Hammad Hussain of AUS received the Man of the Match award for the final, while Nagarjuna Hegde from BITS Pilani became the best batsman of the tournament. Faizan Aqeel of AUS was awarded with the Best Bowler of the Tournament cup.

In her message Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, congratulated the winners for their bright achievements and promised her support for promoting cricket in the university arena. "We are glad to accommodate such tournaments in our sport facilities, as there are not enough facilities around, and we hope to promote sports among youth in the region," said Dr. Al Shehhi.