ISG CROWNED WOMEN’S KNOCKOUT CHAMPION
MUSCAT: Indian School Ghubrah (ISG) was crowned Women’s Knockout T20 champion as Nayan Molly and Saya Channa rose to the occasion with dazzling performances in the final, beating Indian School Muscat (ISM) by seven wickets at the Ministry of Sports grassy ground 1.
ISG captain Priyanka Mendonca received the winner’s trophy from Anil Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas, who was the chief guest at the awards ceremony on the ground. Anil also presented the awards, on behalf of Al Turki Enterprises, to the winners and runners-up of Under-16 Junior League and Women’s League tournament that concluded in February with Women’s Cricket Sohar emerging as the champions followed by ISG as runners-up. Toppers of Under-19 Junior League tournament, sponsored by Khimji Ramdas, were also awarded by Anil while Ramesh Nair, representing White Lotus International, awarded the achievers of Under-13 Junior League competition.
The prize distribution ceremony was also attended by senior Oman Cricket officials including Madhu Jesrani, Secretary OC, Vaishali Jesrani, Dad Mohammed al Balushi, Iqbal Ariwala and Dr Manjunath.
Invited to bat first, ISM was restricted to a modest 130 for 5 in 20 overs. Struggling at 31 for 3 in 7 overs, ISM recovered to reach 105 for 4 in 16th overs thanks to a 74-run fourth wicket partnership between Shajina Rajesh (34 off 27) and Amanda Dcosta (42 not out off 39). Saya Channa bagged 2 for 23 in her 4-over spell for ISG.
ISG overhauled the total in 16 overs, scoring 131 for 3. Nayan Molly led the way with a brilliant 49 not out off 37 to steer her side to the championship victory. She received valuable support from all-rounder Saya Channa who contributed 25 runs off 23 balls. Molly was adjudged the player of the final for her matchwinning knock.
Women’s Knockout final brief scores: ISM Women 130 for 5 in 20 overs (Amanda Dcosta 42 not out – 2x4, Shajina Rajesh 34 – 5x4. Saya Channa 2-23) lost to ISG Women 131 for 3 in 16 overs (Nayan Molly 49 not out – 4x4, Saya Channa 25 – 1x4) by 7 wickets.