London Media Cricket Club kicked off their annual tour in emphatic fashion by defeating the UAE Journalists XI by 26 runs in a day-night encounter at the Ajman Cricket Ground. All-rounder Sajid Aziz delivered a match-winning performance, claiming five wickets and earning the Man of the Match award for his outstanding contribution.
According to match details, London Media Cricket Club captain Ghulam Hussain Awan won the toss and elected to bat first. Playing their allotted 16 overs, the London Media side posted a competitive total of 133 runs, thanks to a superb knock of 49 runs by Yasir Abbas, 25 runs by Hamid Mashraqi, 22 runs by vice-captain Athar Abbasi, and two impressive sixes from Salim Sabri. However, star batsman Ghufran Shani was unable to make a significant impact in this match.
In reply, the UAE Pak Media Cricket Team struggled from the outset as wickets fell regularly, resembling autumn leaves falling one after another. Left-arm off-spinner Sajid Aziz tore through the opposition’s batting lineup, dismantling it completely. The UAE Pak Media team could only manage 112 runs before being bowled out.
London Media Cricket Club completed their innings at 132 runs for the loss of five wickets in 16 overs, setting a target of 133 runs for the UAE Pak Media team. During the chase, the batting side remained under constant pressure due to regular breakthroughs, ultimately failing to reach the target and returning to the pavilion fully dismissed.
In addition to Sajid Aziz’s five-wicket haul, Mohsin Jafri claimed two wickets, while Ghulam Hussain Awan, Ghufran Shani, and Athar Abbasi each took one wicket, playing key roles in the team’s victory.
The match was part of a best-of-three series, which London Media Cricket Club won 2–1. Both teams had won one match each earlier, making this encounter the series decider.
Speaking after the match, captain Ghulam Hussain Awan credited the victory to the team’s unity and collective performance, dedicating the win to the entire squad. Team manager Tahir Chaudhry dedicated the success to Patron-in-Chief Suhail Warraich, stating that the team is in excellent form and is expected to deliver even stronger performances in upcoming matches.
At the conclusion of the match, a dignified award ceremony was held where chief guest Chaudhry Asif Baba Jan, along with Adnan Jahangir Sardar, Asif, and other distinguished guests, presented the winning trophy to London Media Cricket Club and the runner-up trophy to the UAE Pak Media Cricket Team. To honor the teams, UAE Media Team Manager Mudassar Khushnood also hosted a lavish dinner.
