Overjoyed MCC players after defeating Annadil Burhani in a nail-biting final of Arusha Cricket Tournament at St. Constatine School ground, last weekend. (Photo by a Correspondent).
BY THE ARUSHA NEWS CORRESPONDENT
Meru Cricket Challengers (MCC) won the 20-over Arusha Cricket Tournament after defeating Annadil Burhani by a narrow four-run margin in a nail-biting final at the St Constantine School Grounds, last weekend.
The final brought the tournament to a thrilling close with both sides producing outstanding batting performances in a high-scoring contest that kept spectators on their toes until the final over.
MCC made full use of their innings, posting a mammoth 227/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
The star of the final was Anish Jipron, who smashed the fastest century of the tournament, reaching the milestone in just 35 balls. It was his second century of the series and he was eventually dismissed for a brilliant 131.
He was well supported by Jainam Patel, who scored 33, whereas Gangadharan Prasad added an important 34 in the middle order.
For Annadil Burhani, Mohamed Shabbir was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures of 4/26 while Taha Nurbhai took 2/21.
In reply, Annadil Burhani mounted a brave chase. Taha Nurbhai led the innings with a superb 101 whereas Taher Aziz once again showed his class with an unbeaten 57 in the middle order.
Despite their strong batting display, Annadil Burhani finished on 223/4, losing the final by the narrowest of margins. For MCC, Yasir Patel took 1/19 while Jainam Patel returned figures of 1/28.
Anish Jipron was named Man of the Match in the final for his outstanding performance. His match-winning innings further underlined his reputation as an outstanding batsman in Arusha cricket in recent years.
Annadil Burhani had earlier booked their place in the final with a commanding victory over Telugu. After winning the toss and choosing to field first, Annadil restricted Telugu to 174/7.
Telugu had made a strong start through Harshil Patel who scored the fastest half-century of the tournament. He was well supported by Sandeep, who contributed 47 runs in the middle order.
For Annadil Burhani, Hussein Khanbhai took 2/22, Hani Mohamed claimed 2/27 and Taha Nurbhai finished with 2/32.
Annadil Burhani chased down the target in 18 overs, losing only four wickets. Taher Aziz was the hero of the chase, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 119 and Hussein Kasamali adding 25.
For Telugu, Kartik was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/16.
ARUSHA CRICKET LEAGUE – TOURNAMENT AWARDS
- Final Winners: MCC Team
- Runners-Up: Annadil
- Semi-finalists: Telugu and A to Z
- Player of the Tournament: Anish Jepron (MCC)
- Best Batsperson (Most Runs Overall): Anish Jepron (MCC) – 379
- Best Batting Performance (In a Game): Anish Jepron – 157
- Best Bowler (Most Wickets Overall): Jainam Jenu – 9
- Best Bowling Performance (In a Game): Saroj Puhan – 5-14
- Best Wicket Keeper: Hatim Bakrudhin
- Best Fielder: Juma Safari
- Most Catches: Mujtaba Dhirani – 6
- Most Sixes: Anish Jepron – 32
- Most Fours: Anish Jepron – 34
- Fastest 50: Harshil Patel
- Fastest 100: Anish Jepron – 35 balls
- Most Maidens: Vijay Bhatt – 2
- Most Dot Balls Bowled: Yasir Patel – 66
- Good Sportsmanship Individual Awards: Sejul, Juma, Ganga
- Team Sportsmanship Award: Telugu
