Dubai: The AUZ T20 Blast Edition 3 concluded with a spectacular final as AUZ Challengers defeated Fab11 to lift the championship trophy at Ajman Stadium near Dubai.
The tournament, held from November 8 to 30, featured thrilling matches, exceptional individual performances, and enthusiastic support from the Bhatkali community in the UAE.
In the final match played on November 30, AUZ Challengers batted first and posted a strong total of 171 runs. Fab11, despite moments of resistance, were bowled out for 146, handing AUZ Challengers a convincing 25-run victory and the prestigious AUZ T20 Blast crown.
The Challengers had a shaky start as openers Nawar and Ismail Khan fell early in the 4th over. However, Afeef Barmawar and Abdul Badie Muniri rebuilt the innings with an excellent partnership. Afeef scored a crucial 50, while Ismail Mohtesham ignited the stadium crowd with a blistering 49 off just 22 balls*, powering AUZ Challengers to a winning total.
Earlier in the league stage, several matches went down to the wire, with the top four teams qualifying for the playoffs.
In the first qualifier played on November 29, AUZ Challengers defeated Haneef Warriors, securing their spot in the final.
In the Eliminator match, also held on November 29, Fab11 edged past Seedar Abu Dhabi in a last-ball thriller, knocking them out of the event.
Qualifier 2 was played the following day, November 30, in which Fab11 defeated Haneef Warriors to enter the final, but they fell short against AUZ Challengers in the title clash.
AUZ Challengers lifted the trophy along with a cash prize of AED 10,000, while Fab11 received AED 5,000 along with the runners-up trophy.
One of the biggest highlights of the tournament was AUZ Challengers finishing undefeated, showcasing remarkable teamwork and consistency throughout the event.
Representatives from BMKC and BMJD, including Muneeri Atiqurrehman, Shariyar Khateeb and Jailani Mohtesham, graced the prize distribution ceremony and congratulated the winners. They also appreciated the players for maintaining discipline and entertaining the spectators with high-quality cricket, while commending the AUZ management for the smooth organisation of the tournament.
A special lucky draw was organised for spectators, featuring more than 25 prizes. The bumper prize was a Suzuki Burgman, while the second and third prizes were INR 50,000 and INR 25,000 respectively. Several gifts were also presented to children, adding to the festive atmosphere.
In the tournament, Best Batsman was awarded to Ismail Mohtesham, Best Bowler to Khaleel Goltay, and Player of the Tournament to Ismail Khan for their excellent performances. The Fair Play Award was won by Luxury Zone.
Following the successful conclusion of the event, the organiser of the tournament and Managing Director of AUZ Real Estate, Abdul Badie Muniri, expressed gratitude to all participating teams and the Bhatkal community in the UAE for their overwhelming support. He also credited the success of the tournament to the relentless efforts of the AUZ Army, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure its smooth execution.