Jindal Panthers lift sixth CPI Corporate Cup
SUHAR: Jindal Panthers defeated red-hot Al Nahda in the final to be crowned champions in the sixth Composite Pipes Industry (CPI) Corporate Cup 2020 in a dramatic single day at Al Marsa ground in Suhar.
A total of 19 teams had registered for the one-day cricket extravaganza as all matches were played on a knockout basis.
First time participants included Godrej & Khimji, Arkan Logistics, Kerry AATCO, EFTC and Baraem Qatar.
Fancied teams like Shamel Plastic, L&T, Al Nahda and CPI were the frontrunners to win the tournament.
In an enthralling final against Al Nahda, Jindal Panthers won the toss and elected to field. Al Nahda started on the backfoot losing its dashing opener Hari Ganguly very early. Danish (21 off 14) and Bilal (10 off 7 balls) fought hard in a bid to post a fighting total on the board.
However, with astute field placements and brilliant bowling changes, Anshu Raina, captain of Jindal Panthers, denied Al Nahda the freedom to bat freely and score big.
Highlighting their brilliance on the field, Panthers dismissed dangerous Nasir early as Harish held what clearly looked like catch of the tournament, scooping the ball just millimetres away from the deep midwicket boundary. Failing to fly high in the sky, Al Nahda finished their innings at 43 for 6 in the stipulated 6 overs.
Facing a modest target for a title triumph, Jindal Panthers raced to the target in no time with openers Parag (19 off 13) and Anshu Raina (15 off 13) doing the bulk of the scoring in their 42-run opening partnership. Panthers completed the formalities in 4.4 overs for a comfortable 9-run victory.
The final was followed by a colourful awards ceremony that saw chief guest Sanjay Anand, Unit Head of Jindal Shahdeed Iron and Steel (JSIS), distributing trophies and awards in the presence of senior CPI management.
The top honours of the tournament went to Jindal Panthers’ Anshu Raina who won Man of the Final and Man of the Series awards for his sterling performances. Danish of Al Nahda was declared the tournament’s Best Batsman while Sohail won the Best Bowler award. Badr Al Sama claimed the Sparkling Team award while the Fair Play award went to Enhance.
The CPI Management thanked the organising team for providing the best of facilities to the participating teams as well as excellent coordinated efforts.
Thanking everyone present, the organisers said the event would not have been possible without the support and sponsorship from Al Sidrah Oil & Gas, Al Khuwair Chemicals, Space-tech Trading, Enhance, Oman Oasis and CPI General Manager Subramanian.