Match 1: Gorkha XI vs Malo CC

The first match of the day saw Gorkha XI taking on Malo CC at the Santarém Cricket Ground. Gorkha XI won the toss and opted to bat first in this ten-over encounter. They started strongly, with key contributions from their top order. Amninder Singh played a blistering knock, scoring 54 off just 25 balls, including three boundaries and five sixes. His aggressive batting was complemented by Deep Harian, who smashed 31 off 13 balls, and Amandeep Singh, who added a quick 29 off 14 balls. Gorkha XI posted a formidable total of 141/4 in their 10 overs.

In response, Malo CC faced an uphill task from the start. They lost early wickets and struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Only Amandeep Singh and Najam Shahzad provided some resistance with scores of 29 and 27, respectively. However, their efforts were in vain as the Gorkha XI bowlers kept things tight. S M Shayaddur Rahman and Ahammad Ullah were the pick of the bowlers, each taking two wickets. Malo CC could only manage 98/8 in their 10 overs, falling short by 43 runs. Gorkha XI secured a comprehensive victory, showcasing their strong batting and effective bowling.

Match 2: Punjab CCA vs Lisbon Capitals CC

In the second match, Punjab CCA faced Lisbon Capitals CC. Lisbon Capitals won the toss and chose to field first. Punjab CCA had a shaky start, losing two quick wickets within the first over. However, Arshad Aitzaz stabilized the innings with a rapid 31 off 15 balls, supported by Mubeen Tariq, who scored a steady 27 off 36 balls. Despite regular wickets falling, Punjab CCA managed to reach a total of 134/9 in their 20 overs, thanks to some late contributions from Faisal Mushtaq and Syed Ali Naqi.

Chasing 135, Lisbon Capitals CC started well but soon found themselves in trouble due to some tight bowling from Punjab CCA. Samarth Patel top-scored with 38 off 33 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to capitalize on his start. Honey Saini and Mubeen Tariq were instrumental with the ball for Punjab CCA, taking three and two wickets respectively. Lisbon Capitals CC were bowled out for 120 in 18.3 overs, handing Punjab CCA a hard-fought 14-run victory.

Match 3: GAMBLERS SC-A vs Fighters CC(BGA)

The third match featured GAMBLERS SC-A against Fighters CC(BGA). GAMBLERS SC-A won the toss and opted to bat first. They posted a challenging total of 166/6 in their 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant innings from Ankush Kamboj, who scored 62 off 39 balls. Kuldeep Gholiya and Devender Mehla also made significant contributions with 28 and 27 runs respectively. Mandeep Mall was the standout bowler for Fighters CC, taking three wickets and conceding just 16 runs.

In reply, Fighters CC(BGA) had a shaky start, losing early wickets. However, Dalwinder Gullu anchored the innings with a superb 63 off 37 balls. He was well supported by Parminderjeet Singh, who smashed 32 off 15 balls. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Fighters CC managed to keep up with the required run rate. The match went down to the wire, with Fighters CC eventually winning by 1 wicket, reaching the target in 19.2 overs.

Conclusion

The day's matches were marked by thrilling contests and standout individual performances. Gorkha XI dominated with both bat and ball to secure a convincing win over Malo CC. Punjab CCA showcased resilience to defend a modest total against Lisbon Capitals CC. In the most exciting match of the day, Fighters CC(BGA) edged out GAMBLERS SC-A in a nail-biting finish. Overall, the games highlighted the competitive spirit and skill levels in the LIGA BGA DIV 1 2024, promising an exciting season ahead.