Creditwest Cricket League Favourites Win
We all love underdogs said umpire George Ward, but last Sunday’s Creditwest Cricket League was dominated by those already tipped to reach the final.
The morning game at the Alsancak Stadium saw local side Alsancak be comprehensively beaten by the Lefkoşa Fighters. Batting first, they were skittled out in 11 overs for only 53 runs. In reply, the lads from the capital lost 3 wickets in the 7 overs it took to breeze past their total, with Bilal doing the major damage finishing on 29. Alsancak received 1 batting and 1 bowling point, whilst Lefkoşa got 30 league points for winning.
The afternoon game was the much awaited clash between the Cyprus All Stars and the Middle East Technical University. Ian Fell, the TRNC Cricket Association’s Communications Manager explained to us, the University side are the surprise package, whilst inexperienced, they are full of genuinely talented players, so the question was, could they upset the All Stars, the tournament favourites?
METU won the toss and batted. They made a steady start, but none of the top 4 batsmen could reach double figures. Then the middle order of Yasir 17, Saad 31 and Khalid 14, took their innings by the scruff of the neck bringing the total to a respectable 116 for 8 in their 20 overs. The wickets were shared around with 2 each for Zafer, Mohsin, Aun and one for Arshad.
The Cyprus All Stars reply was often wobbly with the bowlers preventing anyone from cutting loose. Again it was the middle order that steadied things with Mitho’s hard fought 14 and captain Firdous 17, but it still left a lot to be done. It was anyone’s match until the 18th over when Arshad off Nabeel’s bowling hit a huge 6 followed by sweetly timed 4, which put the game beyond doubt, despite him being bowled the next ball. METU 4 bowling points, 6 batting, Cyprus All Stars 30 winning league points.
Next Sunday’s games on the 8th November will be at the TRNC Cricket’s home – Alsancak Stadium:Chairman Nigel Holman said with only one round of pool games to play, calculating who will make the semi-finals is becoming much clearer. Pool A Lefkoşa Fıghters have qualified, Pool B’s top two are still to play, but Girne should have the edge and Pool C the Cyprus All Stars are expected to take 30 points from their final game against Eastern Med. The last semi-final place will go to the best runner-up. This, Holman says, is harder to call but Middle East Technical University is his pick.
10.00 Gentlemen of Girne v Near East University
13.30 Cyprus All Stars v Eastern Mediterranean University
