MICHAEL XI TAKES ON SARCO IN STASSEN TEA LOUNGE T10 FINAL
MUSCAT: Michael XI set up a mouthwatering title clash with fancied Sarco side as the two teams reached the final of Stassen Tea Lounge T10 Challenge Trophy after winning their semifinal games under the floodlights at the Ministry of Sports’ grassy ground 1 in Al Amerat on Friday.
The final was to be played later last night at the same venue. Srinith De Silva, Chief Executive Officer of Aitken Spence Resorts (Middle East) and Al Falaj Hotel, will be the chief guest and give away prizes to the winner, runner-up and other main achievers.
Senior officials of Oman Cricket and dignitaries will also be present to watch the final.
In the first semifinal, Michael XI trounced Hunters XI by 7 wickets thanks to a 20-ball 24 by opener Akbar who laid the foundation for an easy chase.
Batting first, Hunters XI scored 62 for 4 in 10 overs. Hiren R was the main scorer with a run-a-ball 24.
Michael XI raced to the target in just 7.1 overs, scoring 65 for 3 with Akbar and Ayaaz Ahmed (11 off 5) playing the key role in their side’s victory. Brief scores: Hunters XI 62 for 4 in 10 overs (Hiren R 24, Ganesh 12 – 1x6) lost to Michael XI 65 for 3 in 7 overs (Akbar 24 – 2x4, Deepu 12 – 1x6) by 7 wickets. SARCO TOO GOOD FOR BOMBAY BLUES In the second semifinal, Sarco thrashed Bombay Blues by 7 wickets thanks to a swashbuckling 40 off 15 balls by its star all-rounder Rakesh Patel who struck four towering sixes in his knock to seal the win for the title favourites.
Opting to bat first, Bombay Blues posted 74 for 5 on the board in the stipulated 10 overs. Amol Anil (21 off 19) and Akash Bharat (20 off 17) were the leading scorers. Murtaza Shah took 2 for 7 while Rakesh Patel bagged 1 for 7.
Sarco overhauled the target in just 7 overs, scoring 78 for 3 thanks to Rakesh’s brilliant knock. Opener Tosim khan was the other notable scorer with 17 off 9. Brief scores: Bombay Blues 74 for 5 in 10 overs (Amol Anil 21 – 1x4, Akash Bharat 20 – 2x6. Murtaza Shah 2-07, Rakesh Patel 1-07) lost to Sarco 78 for 3 in 7 overs (Rakesh Patel 40 not out – 3x4, 4x6, Tosim Khan 17 – 1x4, 1x6) by 7 wickets.