ABU DHABI, Dec 28: In a stunning display of talent and teamwork, IDAK’s cricket team emerged champion in the first ever Gulf Friendship Cup (GFC), organized and hosted by the Association of Kerala Medical & Dental Graduates (AKMG), at the Mohan Singh Oval Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi on 8th December, 2023. Four teams participated in this tournament – AKMG GFC from UAE, IDAK from Kuwait, Indian Doctors Club (IDC) Marauders from Qatar and GB Kings from UK.

IDAK’s cricket team demonstrated unparalleled commitment and expertise throughout the tournament. Combining precision and agility, this team of dentists batted, bowled, and fielded their way to victory, surprising all the cricket enthusiasts who witnessed the event.

In the Semi-final match IDAK played against IDC–Marauders. IDAK batted first and scored 124 for the loss of 1 wicket in the scheduled 12 overs. Dr Mohammed Hussain was the top scorer of the match with 56 runs off 37 balls (strike rate: 151). Mr Nithin Samuel Varughese score 41 runs off 19 deliveries (strike rate: 215). IDAK managed to win the match by 45 runs as IDC managed to score only 79 runs for the loss of 7 wicket at the end of their innings. Mr Nithin was declared the ‘Best Bowler’, and Dr Mohammed Hussain was declared the ‘Best Batsman’ and the ‘Player of the Match’.

In the finals, IDAK faced the host team - AKMG GFC UAE. IDAK batted first and scored 153 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the scheduled 15 overs. Team AKMG exhibited a spirited performance but could manage to score only 149 for the loss of 5 wickets. Dr Mohammed Hussain scored his 2nd half-century in the tournament and remained unbeaten at 60 runs from 43 balls. He also bagged two wickets earning him the title of the ‘Best Bowler’, the ‘Best Batsman’ and also the ‘Player of the Match’.

Captain Jitendra Ariga, led the team with strategic finesse, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and more importantly, enjoying the moment. IDAK cricket team’s efforts brought great pride to the President of IDAK – Dr Thomas Thomas, who was the driving force behind IDAKs decision to participate in this tournament. Fellow IDAKians flooded social media with congratulatory messages, commending the team for theirexceptional performance. The full team were felicitated in a grand manner at Holiday Inn & Suites on 15thDecember 2023, during the Annual General Body meeting of IDAK.