BY THE ARUSHA NEWS CORRESPONDENT
Telugu displayed impressive batting and disciplined bowling to defeat Kilimeru by 48 runs in the ongoing PowerPack 20-overs tournament at the St Constantine Grounds, last weekend.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Telugu posted a competitive total of 168/9. Captain Harshil Patel led from the front with a quick-fire 40 whereas Muthu Sankar added an important 38 in the middle order to strengthen the innings.
Kilimeru’s bowlers worked hard to contain the scoring, with Syed Gulfam Naqvi leading the attack with figures of 3/26. Hamza Saajan also impressed with 2/27 while Imran Dhalla picked up 2/47.
In reply, Kilimeru struggled to build strong partnerships as regular wickets slowed their chase. Shahab Haider top-scored with 28 and Imran Dhalla contributed 19 in the middle order. Alijawad Sheriff remained unbeaten on 25 but Kilimeru were eventually bowled out for 120 in the 19th over.
Telugu’s bowlers delivered a strong team performance with Karthik taking 3/14, Sandeep claiming 2/8 and Harshil Patel completing a fine all-round display with 2/16. Telugu sealed a convincing 48-run victory.
In the second match, Kilimeru 313 won the toss and elected to bat first against Arusha Cricket Challengers (ACC).
Opener Abutalib Okera produced a superb unbeaten knock of 82 anchoring Kilimeru’s innings. He was supported by Syed Dilip who scored 27 in the middle order as Kilimeru posted 135/4.
For ACC Sankith Tekelkote took 1/21, Jaimin Patel claimed 1/25 and Shyam Soni picked up 1/15.
ACC made light work of the chase with openers Shyam Soni and Deep Mavani dominating from the start. Soni played a brilliant unbeaten innings of 93 whereas Mavani remained not out on 33 as ACC reached the target in just 9.3 overs without losing a wicket.
The 10-wicket victory capped off a commanding performance by ACC.
