26-05-2024
The Liga BGA Division I matches on May 26, 2024, provided a day of enthralling cricket with dominant performances and close finishes. The three matches at the Santarém Cricket Ground in Santarém showcased the talent and competitive spirit of the teams. Here is a detailed summary of the day's action.
Match 1: Oeiras CC vs. Fighters CC(BGA)
The day began with a high-scoring encounter between Oeiras CC and Fighters CC(BGA). Oeiras CC won the toss and opted to bat first, posting an impressive total of 193 for 1 in their 20 overs. Miguel Stoman led the charge with a commanding 81 not out off 61 balls, supported by Conrad Greenshields, who scored an unbeaten 77 off 51 balls. Their partnership set a solid foundation for Oeiras CC, with extras contributing significantly to the total.
In response, Fighters CC(BGA) gave a spirited chase but were bowled out for 172 in 19.5 overs. Deep Karthol top-scored with 27 off 17 balls, and Parminderjeet Singh contributed 22 off 15 balls. Rahul Kumar was the standout bowler for Oeiras CC, taking 4 wickets for 21 runs, while Lakshan Weerakoon and Taj Muhammad provided crucial breakthroughs. This well-rounded bowling effort secured a 21-run victory for Oeiras CC.
Match 2: Malo CC vs. Friendship CC
The second match of the day saw Malo CC face Friendship CC. Friendship CC won the toss and elected to field. Malo CC put up a mammoth total of 258 for 5 in their 20 overs, thanks to explosive innings from Najam Shahzad, who scored 80 off 32 balls, and Imran Khan, who made 79 off 36 balls. Muhammad Usama also chipped in with 37 off 26 balls. The Friendship CC bowlers struggled, with all bowlers conceding heavily.
Friendship CC, in their chase, managed only 134 all out in 19.4 overs. Saddam Akbory and Imtiaz Ahmed Rana were the top scorers with 32 runs each. Malo CC's bowling was led by Muhammad Usama, who took 3 wickets for 19 runs, and Amir Zaib, who claimed 3 for 26. This comprehensive performance resulted in a dominant 124-run victory for Malo CC, highlighting their batting and bowling prowess.
Match 3: Gorkha XI vs. Gamblers SC-A
The final match of the day was a thriller between Gorkha XI and Gamblers SC-A. Gorkha XI won the toss and chose to bat, setting a challenging total of 199 for 6 in their 20 overs. Suman Ghimire was the standout batsman with 56 off 35 balls, while Azhar Andani and Manjit Singh contributed 29 and 30 runs, respectively. Ankush Kamboj was the pick of the bowlers for Gamblers SC-A, taking 2 wickets for 21 runs.
In a dramatic chase, Gamblers SC-A fell just one run short, finishing at 198 for 6 in their 20 overs. Mayank Darji led the charge with a brilliant 71 off 43 balls, and Ranjit added a quickfire 44 off 24 balls. Despite their efforts, the Gorkha XI bowlers held their nerve in the final moments. Gurbhej Singh and Deep Harian each took a wicket, while the fielding unit ensured crucial run-outs. This thrilling finish saw Gorkha XI edge out Gamblers SC-A by just 1 run.
Conclusion
The matches on May 26, 2024, in the Liga BGA Division I highlighted the competitive nature and high skill level of the teams. Oeiras CC's solid performance against Fighters CC(BGA) showcased their batting and bowling strength. Malo CC's dominant victory over Friendship CC emphasized their comprehensive team effort. Gorkha XI's narrow win against Gamblers SC-A was a testament to their resilience and ability to handle pressure. These matches provided thrilling entertainment and set the stage for an exciting continuation of the league.