4 October 2015. On a glorious Sunday afternoon, in front of a stunned crowd, Shenyang Medical College’s Pakistan team snatched a famous victory over SAU’s own Pakistan team, to claim the 2015 SAU International Cricket Cup. The SMC side, chasing a very challenging 153, secured victory on the very last ball of an action packed cup final.
SMC Pakistan paceman Awais Muhammad bowling during the 2015 SAU International Cup Final
The tournament, which began on 19 September, featured eight teams, with players from China, India, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and UAE, representing Shenyang Sports University, China Medical University, Shenyang Medical College and Shenyang Aerospace University. Over the course of twelve group games CMU India, SAU Bangladesh, SAU Pakistan and SMC Pakistan reached the semi-finals where CMU India were well beaten by SMC Pakistan, and last year’s champions SAU Bangladesh were narrowly defeated by their old rivals SAU Pakistan, to set up an all Pakistan final.
SAU’s Junaid Siddiq bowls to SMC’s Shoaib Hassan
The final offered the tantalising prospect of a personal duel between hard-hitting SMC batsman, Shoaib Hassan, the leading run scorer in the tournament, and SAU leg-spin bowler, Junaid Siddiq, the competition’s leading wicket taker. But after winning the toss and electing to bat first, SAU captain, Sheroz Ahmed led from the front with a brilliant 60 to take SAU Pakistan to a very respectable 153 for nine from their 20 overs.
The SMC Pakistan reply began positively but when, after having lost two wickets, star bowler Junaid bagged the wicket of opener and SMC captain, Suqlain Ali, the game seemed to have turned SAU’s way. However, Shoaib was just getting into his stride. He now stamped his authority on the innings, ably supported by Amir Shahzad (30), and despite Asad Ali’s brilliant diving attempt to catch a blistering drive at cover, Shoaib powered his way to an unbeaten 71, sealing victory with a single on the very last ball of a thrilling final.
SAU International Education College party secretary Henry Shi presents Shenyang Medical College captain Suqlain Ali with the 2015 SAU International Cup
2015 SAU International Cup Cricket Awards
Champions: SMC Pakistan
Runners up: SAU Pakistan
Batsman of the Tournament: Shoaib Hassan (213 runs) SMC Pakistan
Bowler of the Tournament: Junaid Siddiq (11 wickets) SAU Pakistan
Spirit of Cricket Award: SAU Zimbabwe
Final Umpires: Rayhan Khandakar (SAU Bangladesh), Fyroose Eariyaden (CMU India)
