JOIN USHammonds, Friends XI in title clash
Hammonds Cricket Club eked out a thrilling one-wicket win over Merchants Cricket Club (1) to set up title clash with Friends XI Cricket Club in the KSCA Group I, Division IV league for the Metro Shield here.
In a low-scoring semifinal, Hammonds CC made heavy weather of a small target before emerging a winner in a nerve-wracking encounter.
Batting first, Merchants sold themselves cheaply, managing a mere 93 all out in 42.1 overs. Veeresh B Karagi was the pick of the bowlers for Hammonds with figures of 5/10.
With Bhavesh Jain (3/43) and Muralidara (3/25) coming good with the ball, Merchants restricted Hammonds to 137 all out, a lead of 44 runs that was to prove handy in the final analysis.
Improved show
Merchants came up with a much improved batting show in the second innings, posting 132 for six in 30 overs and setting a target of 80 for Hammonds who all but lost the match against some good bowling by Abhu Bakar (3/32) and Manish (5/21). Arvind P top-scored with 39 as Hammonds struggled their way to 89 for nine in 27.4 overs.
Hammonds and Friends XI, who progressed to the final by virtue of their first innings lead against Chintamani Sports Association, will clash in the final on Saturday and Sunday at the Chinnaswamy stadium.
Batting first, Chintamani Sports Association mustered 232 for eight in 55 overs with Nidhuvan G cracking a fine 80.
Md Naseerudhin shone with the ball for Friends XI, scalping 5-75.
Friends XI then gained the crucial first innings that booked their ticket for the final, reaching 233/5 in 48.5 overs. Chetan Williams top-scored with a fine 54 while team-mates Vijay Joon (57), Rahul Borkar (49) and Sumanth (35) made valuable contributions.
Brief scores: Merchants Cricket Club (1): 93 all out in 42.1 overs (Nikhil B 25; Tarun 2-11, Sirish 2-28, Veeresh B Karagi 5-10) and 132/6 in 30 overs (Ravi Kumar 33; Tarun 2-47) lt to Hammonds Cricket Club: 137 all out in 49.3 overs (Tarun 47; Bhavesh Jain 3-43, Muralidara 3-25, Manish S 2-17) and 89/9 in 27.4 overs (Arvind P 39; Abhu Bakar 3-32, Manish S 5-21).
Chinthamani Sports Association, Chinthamani: 232/8 in 55 overs (Atif 26, Sarfraz MI 47, Nidhuvan G 80, Bharath KN 28 n.o.; Chetan Willimas 2-92, Md. Naseeruddin 5-75) drew Friends XI Cricket Club, Doddaballapura: 233/5 in 48.5 overs (Sumanth 35, Vijay Joon 57, Rahul Borkar 49, Chetan Williams 54; NC Aiyappa 2-59, N Nischith 2-40).