23-06-2024
Match 1: Malo B vs Spartans Sporting Club
The day's first match featured Malo B against Spartans Sporting Club at the Santarém Cricket Ground. Malo B won the toss and decided to bat first. They posted a respectable total of 151/8 in their 20 overs. Key contributions came from Saim Ali, who scored 40 off 28 balls with 8 boundaries, and Muhammad Sameer, who added 31 off 29 balls. The innings saw Malo B losing wickets at regular intervals but managing to keep the scoreboard ticking with vital partnerships. Riasat Azam Sourov and Ankit Singh were the standout bowlers for Spartans Sporting Club, taking two wickets each and keeping the pressure on the batting side.
In reply, Spartans Sporting Club had a poor start and never really recovered. Muhammad Rizwan Iqbal led Malo B's bowling attack with a stunning performance, taking six wickets for just six runs in 2.4 overs. Sherry Crkt Malo B also chipped in with two wickets. Riasat Azam Sourov was the only batsman who put up some resistance, scoring 33 off 25 balls. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide any substantial support, and Spartans Sporting Club were bowled out for a paltry 70 runs in 11.4 overs, giving Malo B an emphatic 81-run victory.
Match 2: GAMBLERS SC-A vs Friendship CC
The second match saw GAMBLERS SC-A take on Friendship CC, with the latter opting to field first. GAMBLERS SC-A put up an impressive total of 208/6 in their 20 overs, thanks to significant contributions from Devender Mehla (60 off 38), Ankush Kamboj (58 off 35), and Kuldeep Gholiya (40 off 27). The aggressive batting ensured that GAMBLERS SC-A set a challenging target for Friendship CC. Despite losing wickets, the batsmen maintained a high run rate, capitalizing on loose deliveries and keeping the pressure on the bowlers.
In response, Friendship CC struggled to build momentum against a disciplined bowling attack from GAMBLERS SC-A. Md Ashraful Mamun Rupu top-scored with 57 off 39 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered. Nitin Kamboj and Ankush Kamboj both took two wickets each, effectively dismantling Friendship CC's batting order. The team was eventually bowled out for 125 in 17.2 overs, resulting in an 83-run victory for GAMBLERS SC-A.
Match 3: Punjab CCA vs Fighters CC(BGA)
In the third match of the day, Punjab CCA faced Fighters CC(BGA). Fighters CC(BGA) won the toss and chose to field. Punjab CCA managed to score 153/10 in their 20 overs, with notable performances from Parveen Jat (50 off 37) and Arshad Aitzaz (40 off 26). However, their innings was marred by a collapse in the middle order, largely due to an excellent bowling display by Dalwinder Gullu, who took 4 wickets for 24 runs.
Chasing 154, Fighters CC(BGA) started strongly with Parwinder Singh scoring a quickfire 53 off 32 balls. Dalwinder Gullu also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 50 off 33 balls. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Fighters CC(BGA) managed to reach the target in 18.2 overs, finishing at 156/7. Mubeen Tariq was the pick of the bowlers for Punjab CCA, taking 2 wickets for 18 runs, but his efforts were not enough to prevent Fighters CC(BGA) from securing a 3-wicket win.
Match 4: Porto Wanderers CC vs Coimbra Knights CC
The fourth match saw Porto Wanderers CC take on Coimbra Knights CC. Porto Wanderers CC, batting first, posted a formidable total of 182/8 in their 20 overs. Premal Rajani (35 off 28) and Sabhapathy Anantharaman (34 off 19) were the top scorers, providing a solid foundation for the team. The innings was further bolstered by contributions from Jonathan Gunasekera and Louis Blackwell.
Coimbra Knights CC, in their chase, struggled against a disciplined bowling attack. John Zinkus was exceptional, taking 3 wickets for just 7 runs in his 4 overs. Raghu Raman and Abdullah Khan also bowled well, taking 2 and 3 wickets respectively. Coimbra Knights CC were bowled out for a meager 69 in 15.2 overs, handing Porto Wanderers CC a comprehensive 113-run victory.
Match 5: Oeiras CC vs Lisbon Capitals CC
In the final match of the day, Oeiras CC went up against Lisbon Capitals CC. Oeiras CC, after being put to bat, scored 175/7 in their 20 overs. Brendan Badehorst played a brilliant knock of 55 off 33 balls, supported by Miguel Stoman (39 off 45) and Conrad Greenshields (35 off 22). Despite a decent total, Lisbon Capitals CC bowlers, particularly Mitul Patel and Samarth Patel, managed to restrict the batting side with their economical spells.
Lisbon Capitals CC chased down the target with ease, thanks to an outstanding innings by Danish Lcc, who scored 70 off 42 balls, and Amir Dar, who added 59 off 43 balls. The team reached 177/4 in 19.1 overs, securing a 6-wicket victory. The Oeiras CC bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive batting, leading to their defeat.
Conclusion
The matches showcased a blend of dominant batting performances and exceptional bowling spells. Malo B and GAMBLERS SC-A secured emphatic victories with strong all-round performances, while Porto Wanderers CC and Lisbon Capitals CC demonstrated their prowess with significant wins. Fighters CC(BGA) also managed to clinch a close victory, highlighting the competitive spirit of the league. Overall, the day's play was marked by thrilling contests and individual brilliance, setting a high standard for the rest of the tournament.