13-08-2024
Match 1: GAMBLERS SC-A vs Fighters CC(BGA)
The first match of the day kicked off at the Santarém Cricket Ground, featuring GAMBLERS SC-A against Fighters CC(BGA). Fighters CC(BGA) won the toss and opted to field first, hoping to capitalize on early morning conditions.
GAMBLERS SC-A began their innings with a cautious approach, losing early wickets and finding themselves at a precarious 36/4 within the first five overs. Mandeep Singh from Fighters CC was instrumental in this early collapse, taking crucial wickets and applying pressure. However, GAMBLERS SC-A found stability through Ankush Kamboj, who played a vital knock of 55 off 42 balls, including six boundaries and a six. His partnership with Devender Mehla, who scored a steady 49 off 42 balls, was pivotal in steadying the innings. Jiteshkumar Balkrisna and Kamal Sharma provided the late innings surge, propelling the team to a competitive total of 177/6 in their 20 overs.
Fighters CC(BGA), in their chase, got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets due to some tight bowling from Nitin Kamboj, who picked up two early wickets. Parwinder Singh and Parminderjeet Singh offered some resistance with scores of 35 and 37, respectively. However, it was Jatinder Teju's aggressive knock of 46 off just 24 balls that kept Fighters CC in the hunt. Despite the lower order's efforts, the team fell short, managing 167/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Ravi Rulan's three-wicket haul for GAMBLERS SC-A played a crucial role in containing the opposition, securing a 10-run victory for his team.
Match 2: Oeiras CC vs Lisbon Capitals CC
The second match saw Oeiras CC taking on Lisbon Capitals CC. Lisbon Capitals won the toss and elected to field, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
Oeiras CC took full advantage of batting first, with their captain Conrad Greenshields setting the tone with a quick 32 off 17 balls. The innings was then dominated by Lakshan Weerakoon, who played a scintillating knock of 76 off 43 balls, anchoring the innings with six boundaries and five sixes. Rahul Kumar provided a solid start with 27 runs, while late contributions from Junaid Khan helped Oeiras CC reach an impressive total of 189/5 in their 20 overs.
In response, Lisbon Capitals CC had a challenging task ahead. Despite losing early wickets, Danish Lcc and Amir Dar put up a strong fight. Danish Lcc scored 45 off 29 balls, while Amir Dar contributed 43 off 31 balls, setting up a competitive chase. Samarth Patel remained unbeaten on 41, attempting to guide his team to victory. However, Oeiras CC's Rahul Kumar was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets and ensuring Lisbon Capitals couldn't maintain the required run rate. Ultimately, Lisbon Capitals CC fell short, finishing their innings at 174/5, giving Oeiras CC a 15-run victory.
Match 3: Punjab CCA vs Friendship CC
The final match of the day saw Punjab CCA facing off against Friendship CC. Friendship CC won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that quickly backfired.
Punjab CCA's innings was a batting masterclass, led by an explosive innings from Parveen Jat, who scored a breathtaking 158 off just 67 balls. His innings included 18 fours and 10 sixes, setting the foundation for a massive total. He was well-supported by captain Rana Zohaib, who scored a blistering 88 off 41 balls. The pair combined for a 241-run partnership, driving Punjab CCA to a mammoth 294/3 in their 20 overs, a total that put immense pressure on Friendship CC.
In their chase, Friendship CC crumbled under the weight of the enormous target. Despite a brisk start by Asad and Imtiaz Ahmed Rana, scoring 19 and 30 respectively, the rest of the batting lineup could not withstand the disciplined bowling attack from Punjab CCA. Mubeen Tariq was outstanding with the ball, taking three wickets for just nine runs. Friendship CC was bundled out for a mere 99 runs in 17 overs, handing Punjab CCA an emphatic 195-run victory. This win was a testament to Punjab CCA's dominance in both batting and bowling departments.
Conclusion
The day's matches highlighted the thrilling competitiveness and skills within LIGA BGA DIV 1 2024. GAMBLERS SC-A secured a tight win with balanced performances in both batting and bowling. Oeiras CC demonstrated their depth and strategic prowess, defending a solid total against a determined Lisbon Capitals CC. Meanwhile, Punjab CCA showcased sheer dominance with a record-setting batting performance, underscoring their position as a formidable team in the league. Each game exhibited the high standards and entertainment value of the competition, setting the stage for more exciting matches ahead.