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Dubai Super Sixes gets off to a flying start

DUBAI — Fly Emirates Green hit the highest score of the day, making 88 for 3 in five overs and then restricted Fedex to 33 for 4 to secure a 55-run victory as the UAE’s highly anticipated cricketing event, Dubai Super Sixes 2010, got off to a flying start with a star-studded gathering of cricketers, corporate bosses, regional teams and sports lovers attending the opening ceremony at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

In the other match, Emirates Islamic Bank posted 75 for 2 and then bowled out Dubai Islamic Bank for 30 for a 45-run victory. Triplanet registered a 10-wicket victory by scoring 47 runs in 2 overs after restricting Media Rotana to 42-4 in 5 overs. Globelink Westar Shipping won by 22 runs against Barclays Bank, the latter making 39-4 after being set a target for 61. In a low scoring match, Dubai were bowled out for 16 in 3.1 overs as Synergy Cargo Services overhauled the target, making 20-1 in 1.2 overs. Yogi Group had it easy against Agintrade, scoring a 10-wicket victory after being set a target of 53. Federal Foods lost by 8 wickets against SERCO Group after being bowled out for 23.

Earlier, the event was officially declared open by Mohammed Redha Abbas, vice-chairman of the Dubai Cricket Council and member of the Emirates Cricket Board, in the presence of a host of top dignitaries and officials.

Over the next two weeks, sports enthusiasts in the region will be treated to some exciting cricket clashes as 48 corporate teams engage themselves in a keen battle for top honours in the six-a-side tournament. The final will be held on October 15. Played under the auspices of the Dubai International Cricket Council, the event is organised by the Crayons Communications and supported by the Dubai Sports City and the Gulf Oil, in association with the Landmark Group.

The event features eight of the biggest international cricket names from India, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka, called the “Landmark Group Team of Legends”. These cricketers are Wasim Akram and Moin Khan (both from Pakistan), Rohan Gavaskar, Venkatesh Prasad and Vinod Kambli (from India), Lance Klusener (South Africa) and Aravinda De Silva and Romesh Kaluwitharna (Sri Lanka).

Akram, former Pakistan all-rounder and brand ambassador of Dubai Super Sixes 2010, said that the excitement built up by the tournament over the past few weeks was a shining example of how companies were actively encouraging their teams to participate in high-profile events. “This is a wonderful opportunity for regional teams to interact and play alongside some of the highly adored cricket legends and experience the game as it should be played, under world-class conditions,” Akram said.

The managing director of Crayons Communications was happy with the start. “Dubai Super Sixes 2010 takes the sport to a whole new dimension in this region. We are pleased that the tournament has kicked off smoothly and we are confident that the audience will enjoy first-class action at this premiere venue,” he said.

As per the rules of this fast-paced game, each participating team should comprise six players, along with two substitutes, and with the opportunity to choose five neutral fielders from a large pool of players. Playing under the supervision of neutral umpires, the format requires each side to play five overs, which they have to complete in 30 minutes.

The eight teams that reach the semi-final stage will each be assigned a top cricket player, who will play alongside them or serve as a mentor/coach.

Gulf Oil is the main sponsor along with Landmark Group as the associate sponsor. The event is also supported by Khaleej Times, City 101.6 FM, Star Plus, Star One, Kingfisher Airlines, Dubai Sports City, Media Rotana, and Edward Steven & Associates.