BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER
Two tense, low-scoring semi-finals at the St. Constantine’s Ground last week, delivered a drama and set up a highly anticipated final between Telugu and MCC.
In the first semi-final, Annadil Burhani ‘B’ struggled after being put in to bat, managing just 58 runs in 11 overs. Telugu’s bowlers dominated proceedings with Sandeep T returning impressive figures of 3 for 7, Vinay Kumar taking 3 for 11 and Harshil Patel finishing with 3 for 21. Taner Aziz was the lone resistance with 22 runs.
Chasing a modest target, Telugu were made to work hard. Despite early setbacks, they managed to reach the total within 11 overs, thanks largely to Muthu Shankar’s 21 runs. Annadil Burhani’s bowlers fought back bravely, with Taher Nurbhai claiming 4 for 6 and Huzeifa Seifuddin taking 2 for 23, but Telugu edged through by three wickets.
The second semi-final saw MCC post a competitive 102 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs against A to Z. Jainam Patel anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 57 while Dushant Singh was the standout bowler for A to Z with figures of 2 for 23.
In reply, A to Z faltered under pressure and were bowled out for 85 in 17 overs. Aneesh Jeepson led MCC’s bowling attack with 3 for 15, supported by Jainam Patel’s 2 for 11. Mahipal Patel was the only batsman to show some resistance, scoring 17 runs, as MCC secured a 17-run victory.
Telugu will now face MCC in the final next week.
