Zawawi Powertech crowned A Division Knockout champion after thrilling win
MUSCAT: Star all-rounder Kalairasan Natarajan slammed three huge sixes in the last over to power Zawawi Powertech Engineering to a sensational title win in the A Division T20 Knockout final at Oman Cricket’s grassy ground two in Amerat on Friday.
Requiring 17 to win in the final over, Zawawi all-rounder Natarajan struck Fawad Ali for three maximums, sealing a welldeserved title triumph for his side which had defeated fancied teams like MDC Enhance Eagles and Ooredoo on its way the to the final.
Maqbool Moosa Al Lawati, Oman Cricket Board member, was the chief guest at the awards ceremony, presenting the winner’s and runner’s-up trophies and other prizes to the teams and players. Natarajan was declared the player of the final for his match-winning 23 off just 7 balls. Opting to bat first, IT Works posted a fighting total of 167 for 7 in 20 overs thanks to major contributions by Adil Khan (57), Muhammed Asgar (39) and Akmal Shahzad (31). Satnam Singh bagged two wickets.
Zawawi’s run chase was brought back on track by a 60-run second wicket partnership between Vijeesh Velunni (46) and Banty Nandy (22) before IT Works fought back with some quick wickets, slowing down the net run rate.
With the game going down to the wire, Zawawi needed a sizeable 18 runs in the final over and this did look like a mountain to climb. Natarajan had his own plans and unleashed his immense power to clear the rope by hitting Fawad Ali for three massive hits as his team ended the game at 172 for 7 with a ball to spare. Adil Khan received a consolation player of the final award for his solid knock at the top of the order.