13-07-2024
Match 1: Oeiras CC 2nd XI vs BROTHER 11
The day began with Oeiras CC 2nd XI taking on BROTHER 11 at the Santarém Cricket Ground. Oeiras CC 2nd XI won the toss and opted to bat first. Their innings was anchored by a solid performance from Arnav Kamboj, who scored 63 off 61 balls, supported by Sameer Pirani with 58 off 49 balls. Despite a steady start, the middle and lower order couldn't capitalize significantly, leading to a total of 165/4 in 20 overs. The bowlers from BROTHER 11, particularly Dilbag Singh and Pinku Chahal, were effective, keeping the run rate in check and taking crucial wickets.
In response, BROTHER 11 faced early setbacks, losing three wickets for just 15 runs. However, Amarjeet Singh played a captain's innings, scoring 51 off 37 balls, and Harsh Sharma provided a quick 35 off 22 balls. Their contributions, along with a late surge from Onkar Singh, who remained unbeaten on 25, ensured BROTHER 11 chased down the target in 18.5 overs, finishing at 166/6. Shan Aziz was the standout bowler for Oeiras CC 2nd XI, taking 3 wickets for 14 runs, but his efforts were not enough to prevent a 4-wicket victory for BROTHER 11.
Match 2: RONIN Cricket Club vs TIGER STRIKERS
The second match of the day saw RONIN Cricket Club take on TIGER STRIKERS. RONIN Cricket Club won the toss and opted to bat first. They posted a competitive total of 191/8 in their 20 overs. Saurabh Cricket Player led the charge with a well-crafted 50 off 31 balls, supported by Navendu Sinha's quick 21 and Jay's 16 off 12 balls. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, RONIN managed to keep the scoreboard ticking, thanks to some disciplined lower-order batting.
In reply, TIGER STRIKERS started strongly with captain Md Abujar Liton scoring 52 off 30 balls. Shafiul Islam contributed 28 off 20 balls, setting a solid foundation. The innings was further propelled by a blistering 45 off 23 balls from Mohammed Jahid Hasan and a crucial unbeaten 35 from Rasel Khan. Despite some hiccups in the middle order, TIGER STRIKERS chased down the target with ease, reaching 194/6 in 18.5 overs, winning by 4 wickets. The match was characterized by aggressive batting and strategic field placements, highlighting the competitive spirit of both teams.
Match 3: Gorkha Legends vs Team Tigers Portugal
The final match of the day, starting at 15:03 PM UTC, featured Gorkha Legends against Team Tigers Portugal. Gorkha Legends won the toss and decided to bat first. Their innings was held together by a solid performance from Ubayed Chowdhury, who scored 52 off 37 balls. Despite his efforts, the rest of the batting lineup struggled against a disciplined bowling attack from Team Tigers Portugal. Jibon Naidu was particularly effective, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs, helping to restrict Gorkha Legends to 121/9 in their 20 overs.
Chasing a modest target, Team Tigers Portugal started aggressively and maintained a high run rate throughout their innings. Rupan Das played a match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 74 off just 34 balls, hitting 14 boundaries and a six. Suman provided valuable support with 27 off 21 balls. The chase was wrapped up in just 10.1 overs, as Team Tigers Portugal reached 124/2, winning by 8 wickets. This dominant performance highlighted their batting depth and aggressive approach, securing a comfortable victory.
Conclusion
The day's matches showcased a blend of disciplined bowling and aggressive batting performances. BROTHER 11 and TIGER STRIKERS successfully chased down challenging targets with strong batting displays, while Team Tigers Portugal dominated both with the ball and bat to secure a comprehensive victory. These performances highlight the competitive nature and high skill level within the LIGA BGA DIV 2 2024, promising more exciting cricket ahead.