The Liga BGA Division I matches on May 12, 2024, showcased a thrilling day of cricket with high scores, impressive individual performances, and close encounters. The three matches played at the Santarém Cricket Ground in Santarém highlighted the competitive spirit and skill of the participating teams. Here is a detailed summary of the day's action.

Match 1: Fighters CC(BGA) vs. Lisbon Capitals CC

The day began with a high-scoring encounter between Fighters CC(BGA) and Lisbon Capitals CC. Lisbon Capitals won the toss and opted to field first. Fighters CC(BGA) capitalized on the opportunity to bat, amassing a challenging total of 213 for 9 in their 20 overs. Dalwinder Gullu was the star of the innings, scoring a rapid 70 off 31 balls, which included 11 fours and 2 sixes. He was supported by Rahul Hudda, who contributed a vital 63 off 40 balls, and Deep Karthol, who added a quick 31 not out towards the end.

Lisbon Capitals CC's chase was spirited but ultimately fell short. Amir Dar top-scored with 47 off 32 balls, while Danish Lcc and Rahul Hudda added 39 and 63 not out respectively. Despite their efforts, they could only reach 195 for 7 in their 20 overs. Sunilkumar Patel and Dalwinder Gullu were the pick of the bowlers for Fighters CC(BGA), with Patel taking 3 wickets for 46 runs and Gullu taking 2 for 35. This tight bowling performance ensured a hard-fought 18-run victory for Fighters CC(BGA).

Match 2: Punjab CCA vs. Gorkha XI

The second match of the day provided the most dramatic finish, with Gorkha XI edging out Punjab CCA by one wicket in a thrilling contest. Punjab CCA batted first and were bowled out for 164 in 19 overs. Arshad Aitzaz top-scored with a brisk 54 off 32 balls, supported by Azhar Andani, who made 47 off 40 balls. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled against Gorkha XI's bowling attack. Gurjit Singh was exceptional with the ball, claiming 5 wickets for just 13 runs, while Mahdi Al Mahmud and Mubeen Tariq each took two wickets.

Chasing 165, Gorkha XI's innings was a roller-coaster ride. They lost wickets at regular intervals but managed to stay in the hunt thanks to crucial contributions from Azhar Andani (47 off 40 balls) and Suman Ghimire (42 off 30 balls). The match came down to the final over, with Gorkha XI needing 9 runs with one wicket in hand. S M Shayaddur Rahman held his nerve, scoring an unbeaten 15 off 9 balls, to guide his team to a nail-biting victory with just one ball to spare.

Match 3: Oeiras CC vs. Friendship CC

The final match of the day featured a commanding performance by Oeiras CC against Friendship CC. Winning the toss, Oeiras CC opted to bat first and set a formidable target of 240 for 1 in their 20 overs. The batting display was dominated by Brendan Badehorst, who played an explosive innings of 128 not out off just 60 balls, including 17 fours and 5 sixes. He was well-supported by Conrad Greenshields, who narrowly missed a century, finishing unbeaten on 99 from 56 balls, with 10 fours and 3 sixes. Their partnership was instrumental in piling up the massive total.

In reply, Friendship CC struggled to keep up with the required run rate, managing 147 for 7 in their 20 overs. The top scorer for Friendship CC was Md Abdul Motin, who remained not out on 33 off 30 balls. The Oeiras CC bowlers were effective in restricting the opposition, with Junaid Khan and Rahul Kumar taking two wickets each. Taj Muhammad also chipped in with two crucial wickets. This comprehensive performance by Oeiras CC resulted in a dominant 93-run victory.

Conclusion

The matches on May 12, 2024, in the Liga BGA Division I were a testament to the competitive spirit and skill level of the teams. Fighters CC(BGA) displayed resilience in their victory over Lisbon Capitals CC, while Gorkha XI showcased nerve and determination in their thrilling win against Punjab CCA. Oeiras CC's dominant victory against Friendship CC highlighted their superior batting and bowling prowess. These matches not only provided thrilling entertainment for the fans but also set the stage for a fiercely contested league as the season progresses.