Stand in Captain Mohamed Al-Harazi took Mombasa Sports Club closer to a 1st position finish in the CCA 40 over league over the 3rd June weekend. Put in to bat, Al-Harazi led from the front with 31 runs ably supported by All-rounder Sagar Karia (46) and Raj Shikotra (31) to take the scores to a modest 196 for 9 in their allotted 40 over. Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj once again proved a formidable opponent with their disciplined bowling attack that gave only 14 extras as Paresh Bhudia (3/48), Paresh Gami (2/35) and Rajesh Valani (2/30) kept the hosts from reaching the maximum points mark of 250.
However, the lack of a strong batting line up forced Paresh Gami (21) and Paresh Bhudia (25) to try and salvage some pride as SCLPS succumbed to the seasoned bowling attack of Vinit Shikotra (3/27), Sagar Karia (2/4) and the other MSC bowlers picking a wicket each as SCLPS succumbed to a final tally of 109 all out in the 34th over of the second innings.
As the league enters into its final eleven weeks of matches with only 25 games on the cards, MSC has emerged as clear favorites to take the league as Coast Gymkhana A and Mombasa Jaffery A battle it out for the 2nd and 3rd positions barring any more surprises for either sides.
In the second game of the day, Mombasa Jaffery had a relatively easy game against Coast Gymkhana B where Coast Gymkhana having won the toss elected to bat first and were bowled out for a 101 runs in 29 over as their 8th and 9th batsmen Akil Patel (12) and Harajsingh Sohal (16) were the only ones to enter double figures. 49 extras helped their cause as MJSC A skipper Aliasgher Abdallah tried his hand with the ball and returned figures of 3/20 with Mohamed Kalyan (3/19) helping bring the visitors down in quick time.
In reply, JSC A managed the score in 14 over losing Mohamed Fazel (32) to a well directed throw from Nikul Patel who also secured the wickets of Aliasgher Abdallah and Shehryar Akram with figures of 2/32. Mohamed Kalyan (24*) and Mohamedreza Tejani (16*) ending the proceedings for the host team.
Overall, the league continues to produce some amazing young talent which gives hope for the future of the game at the coast and for the future of the game in the country. New entrants have also made a dent on the pride of the top cricketing teams giving reason to lovers of the sport to rekindle their love for local cricket and come out and support their sides as the season warms up towards more matches and more thrills in the coming months.
This weekend fixture
Ø Game No:49 – Shree Cutchi Leva P. Samaj v Mombasa Heat @ CG Ground
Ø Game No:50 –Jaffery Sports Club B v Burhani Sports Club @ JSC Ground
Ø Game No:51 – Simba Union (SGSS) v Mombasa Sports Club @ BSC Ground
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