First match – Gentlemen of Girne vs Lefkosa Legends
Second match – Cyprus Stars vs Cyprus International University
First match report (umpired by Tom Shirley and Ann) (Scorer Paula, Su and Photographer Mike)
The Gentlemen of Girne Creditwest Team, Captain Danish Afridi won the toss and elected to bat first, but the two opening batsmen Danish Afridi and Rehamt Khattak were dismissed very quickly, with a combined score of only eight runs, and they were in trouble. But the second and third batsmen Janwali [29] and Waqas [25] built a much-needed partnership to rescue their team. The sixth and seventh players Sohail Khan (29) and Abdul Waris (15) were able to bring the defence total to 146.
In reply, the Lefkoşa Legends only managed a total of 48 runs. The Gentlemen’s top bowler, Sajjad Kamal, scored a ‘hat-trick’ five wickets for only 9 runs and Janweali Khan also took three wickets. The only player to reach double figures was Danish [14 runs]. The top bowler from Lefkosa Legends was Idris, with two wickets in four overs. Gentlemen of Girne Creditwest Team won their 1st Match by 97 runs comfortably. Lefkosa Legends’ sportsmanship in playing with seven completely new players was very much appreciated and a very good and entertaining match ensued. The captain and vice-captain of Lefkosa Legends and the former champions of TRNC Creditwest 2015 tournament Nisar and Muhammad Abdul Haseeb are always an inspiration for sport and their contribution to the promotion of cricket in TRNC has been wonderful.
Second match report [umpired by Shahzad Malik and Sajjad Kamal]
In the second match, Cyprus Stars Captain Bajwa won the toss and chose to bat first against Cyprus International University. Everyone’s predictions regarding Cyprus Stars, considered a strong side, were challenged when they lost their first wicket for only two runs and none of the Cyprus Stars players could make a solid partnership, constantly losing wickets against the ‘black thunder’ bowling attack. None of the Cyprus Stars players succeeded in reaching double figures. Their highest was nine runs made by Firdous Iqbal.
They massacred the opening team in twelve overs, with a total of only 48 runs! The ‘top order‘ batsmen, Faisal and Owen, looked distinctly ‘off form’. C.I.U. were very confident and satisfied with a total of 48 runs made by Cyprus Stars, who were confident of their ability to ‘chase’ 48 runs. But Firdous Iqbal justified that courage, taking three wickets for only ten runs! At one stage, everybody thought that Cyprus Stars would get back into the game when C.I.U were three wickets down for only 21 runs. C.I.U Captain Zaman was delighted to get their 2nd victory (won by 7 Wickets) in the TRNC Creditwest Cricket league spring 2016. If Cyprus Stars had added 50 runs to their total of 48 runs, it would have been a great battle! The top bowler from Cyprus International University was Sufiyan, with three wickets for only eight runs! And Sohail one of the remarkable all-rounder on C.I.U side, So the second match was a great surprise as C.I.U., historically rated a team of average ability, overcame Cyprus Stars.
More matches this Sunday (27th March) for the Creditwest Cricket League at the Alsancak Stadium:
09.30 Middle East Technical University vs Cyprus International University
13.00 Gentlemen of Girne vs Eastern Mediterranean University
For more information go to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Cricket Club to visit their Facebook page click here or Contact Danish Afridi Telephone: 05488884835, 05488904835 or contact by email at danisheen2001@yahoo.com
Gentlemen of Girne Cricket club sponsored by Creditwest
