The Kendall Cup between Oeiras CC and the defending champions Oporto Cricket & Lawn Tennis Club (OCLTC) was held at the Santarém Cricket Ground. The match began at 11:00 on July 27, 2024, and unfolded into a thrilling contest over two days, ultimately ending in a draw, allowing OCLTC to retain the trophy.

Day 1: Oeiras CC’s Dominant Batting Display

OCLTC won the toss and opted to field first, putting Oeiras CC into bat. Oeiras CC made a strong start with openers Brendan Badehorst and Miguel Stoman setting a solid foundation. Badehorst played a fluent knock, scoring 42 off 39 balls, while Stoman contributed a steady 39 off 67 balls. The opening partnership set the tone for the innings.

Captain Conrad Greenshields then took charge, anchoring the innings with a commanding 87 not out off 76 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and three sixes. He was well supported by Rahul Kumar, who smashed a quick 60 off just 36 balls, and Aarav Andharia, who added an unbeaten 46 off 36 balls. Their aggressive batting pushed Oeiras CC to a formidable total of 306/3 declared in just 42 overs. The OCLTC bowlers struggled to contain the run flow, with Usman Butt being the most successful, taking 2 wickets for 45 runs.

Day 1: OCLTC’s First Innings Collapse

In reply, OCLTC had a disastrous start, losing wickets at regular intervals. Taj Muhammad was the wrecker-in-chief for Oeiras CC, taking 4 wickets for 30 runs. Conrad Greenshields also bowled exceptionally, claiming 4 wickets for just 20 runs. OCLTC’s batsmen could not withstand the pressure, with only Premal Rajani providing some resistance with an unbeaten 33 off 65 balls. The rest of the batting lineup faltered, and OCLTC were bundled out for 130 in 41.2 overs.

Day 2: OC&LTC’s Fightback in the Second Innings

Following on, OCLTC had a better showing in their second innings. Although they lost early wickets again, Anthony Chambers steadied the ship with a vital 81 off 107 balls. His innings was crucial in providing stability. Nikhilesh then anchored the lower order with a gritty unbeaten 103 off 181 balls, ensuring OCLTC avoided an outright defeat. Usman Butt also contributed significantly with 42 off 79 balls, supporting Nikhilesh in a crucial partnership.

Despite Oeiras CC’s bowlers’ best efforts, including a disciplined spell from Rahul Kumar, who took 3 wickets for 56 runs, OCLTC managed to bat out the day, ending their second innings at 320/9 in 88.2 overs. This valiant effort ensured the match ended in a draw, allowing OCLTC to retain the Kendall Cup as per the rules.

Conclusion

The Kendall Cup between Oeiras CC and OCLTC showcased a thrilling contest of resilience and skill. Oeiras CC dominated with the bat in the first innings, setting a massive total thanks to stellar performances from Conrad Greenshields and Rahul Kumar. Their bowlers then dismantled OCLTC’s first innings, giving them a stronghold over the match. However, OCLTC’s determined fightback in the second innings, highlighted by Nikhilesh’s century and Anthony Chambers’ crucial knock, ensured they avoided an outright defeat.

Ultimately, the match ended in a draw, allowing OCLTC to retain the Kendall Cup. The final underscored the competitive spirit and tenacity of both teams, making for an exciting and memorable contest.