Promises kept in ERCA T20 season 2018-19: Highlights from week 3

Since the launch of ERCA, we are now in the 3rd week and as promised by ERCA President Mr. Majaz Qadri along with Vice President Mr. Imran Rasheed, that they will provide the best facilities for the teams, and without any doubts or surprises they have, stood by their words and promises. The dugouts have been built on the grounds under the sponsorship of Mr. Salahuddin Salman of SAB for the teams to huddle up their players in shades, trash bins have been placed aside each ground so that the teams can keep the grounds clean. The grounds men have ensured that pitches and the fields are perfectly level so that CRICKET could go on smoothly with an improved level of fundamental infrastructure.

This week also, a total of five matches were played in ERCA where the presence of a good crowd showing up at the grounds and exotic weather made it more exciting and beautiful for the cricketers and cricket lovers. Also it was announced by ERCA that they will be providing cash prize for each Man of the Match player. 

In the morning sessions, Al Tuwaqirqi C.C decided to bat first after winning the toss against SAB Warriors C.C. They managed to put up a reasonable total of 148/7 in their alloted 20 overs. They lost Aftab Magray early in the innings, however Naveed Abrar played a stabalizing innings of 44(39) along with the help of Malik Asghar, who scored 40(35) runs. Faisal Nawaz was pick of the bowlers who took the 2nd ever 5 wkts haul by giving away just 18 runs in his alloted quota of 4 overs. In reply SAB Warriors chased down the total in 18.1 overs with Fayyaz Mohammad scoring a quick 38(29) runs, which was given a helping hand from Balu Biju George who scored 29(22) runs. Faisal Nawaz was awarded the man of the match for his brilliant 5 wickets.

Another game was played between Kashmir United C.C & Blue Star C.C, where  Kashmir United C.C decided to bat first after winning the toss. They managed to score a 139/9 and were restricted to this total by some fine bowling from Blue Star C.C. Waseemullah was the highest scorer from Kashmir United who scored a quick fired 40(19) runs. Mohammad Salman, Moinuddin Nasir & Mohammad Iqbal took 2 wickets each for Blue Star C.C. In reply, Blue Star C.C chased down the target in just 13.3 overs with some marvellous batting from the power house Mohammad Nazeem who scored a rapid 60(35) runs and was awarded the man of the match as well. 

In another match Vice presidents team Eastern Arabia KLV Khodari C.C took on Baker Huges GE C.C. After winning the toss, Baker Huges GE C.C decided to bat first and could manage to score 136 runs only before being all out in just 19.3 overs. Imran Rasheed, Zubair Zafarullah & Syed Azharuddin picked up 2 wickets each for EA C.C team. Salman Habib’s quick knock of 42 on 27 deliveries, along with Adil Humayun knock of 20(15) runs managed to put up this total for Baker Huges GE C.C. In reply Eastern Arabia KLV Khodri C.C chased down the total with style in just 13.1 overs with the loss of just 3 wickets. A blisterring knock of 72* runs on mere 43 deliveries was played by an extravagant wicket keeper opening batsmen Abdul Rahman and was awarded the man of the match as well. 

The 4th game was played in the 2nd session of the day between Hyderabad Green C.C & Kites C.C. After winning the toss Hyderabad Green decided to bat first and managed to put up a fighting total of 150/7 runs. Faisal Bhatti was the top scorer who scored a rapid 53 runs on just 31 deliveries. Jiby Joy, Tariq Khan & Kiran Gorizilla took 2 wickets each for Kites C.C. In reply Kites C.C managed to chase the total comfortably with 3.3 overs to spare. Zubair Annikunil showed his class by scoring 57 runs in just 28 deliveries. Riyas Peedikayil also supported his team mate by scoring a steady 38(34) runs. Man of the match was awarded to Zubair Allikunil for his marvellous batting.

Last game of the day was played in a fantastic atmosphere between Britam Arabia Mavericks C.C & Deccan Blues C.C. After winning the toss, Deccan Blues C.C managed to scored 148/8 in their alotted 20 overs. Akram Qadri still playing young & tough, showed his class by scoring a fiery 43(28) runs. It was an overall disciplined bowling display from Britam Arabia Mavericks C.C. Danish Irfan, Mohammad Bin Naseer & Mutaiyyub Saleem took 2 wickets each for their team. In reply, Britam Arabia Mavericks C.C could only manage to score 113/3 runs in 17 overs before the play was abadoned due to bad light. Deccan Blues C.C won the match by 8 runs with D/L method. Zafar Mohiuddin was the pick of the bolwers and Man of the match, who helped in restricting the opposition before the par score by taking 2 cruicial wickets for his team. Overall it was an exciting week of cricket that came to an end with some brilliant efforts with bat and ball from all the participating teams. And that’ is indeed simply the beauty of cricket.

Also Read: 

ERCA T20 season 2018-19: Some extravagant display of cricket

Saudi Arabia | ERCA T20 season 2018-19: Highlights from week 1