BY THE ARUSHA NEWS CORRESPONDENT
Meru Cricket Challengers (MCC) booked their place in the final after narrowly defeating Telugu by 21 runs, whereas Arusha Cricketers (ACC) recorded a commanding 93-run victory over Kilimeru in the on-going Syed Ali Khamenei Memorial Tournament which has reached knock-out stage at the St. Constantine Grounds last weekend. After winning the toss, MCC elected to bat first and posted 119 for eight. Captain Gangadharan led the scoring with 40 runs while Bwana Shabani remained unbeaten on 23 to help MCC set a competitive target. Karimu Athmani was the pick of the Telugu bowlers, taking three wickets for 21 runs, while Azad claimed two for 15 and Karthik finished with figures of two for 16.
In reply, Telugu struggled to build partnerships and finished on 98 for nine. Yasir Patel was the main destroyer for MCC, producing an impressive spell of four wickets for 20 runs. Wilbert top-scored for Telugu with 26 runs, while Deslin contributed 21, but their efforts were not enough as MCC completed a 21-run victory to qualify for the final. In the second match, ACC won the toss and elected to bat first against Kilimeru.
Veer Makwana continued his fine form with a composed 58, while Gaurav Pandey added a quick-fire 42 as ACC posted an imposing 163 for six. Aliasgar Hirji offered some resistance with 24 runs, but ACC’s bowlers remained firmly in control. Jaimin Patel led the attack with four wickets for 23 runs, while Parimal Patel claimed three for 13 as ACC sealed a comprehensive 93-run victory. ACC will now face Telugu tomorrow, Sunday, with the winner advancing to meet MCC in the final.
