MUSCAT: Michael XI claimed the inaugural Challenge Cup tennis ball T10 cricket tournament organised by the Grand Investment Group (GGI) at the Al Hail CC grounds on Saturday.
In the final, Michael XI edged past Kingfisher Cricketers by four wickets.
Sent into bat first, Kingfisher scored 90 for 7 wickets in 10 overs. In reply, Michael XI reached the target with three balls to spare for the loss of six wickets. Ruben of Michael XI was the man of the match in the final.
In the semifinals, Michael XI thrashed Mattco XI Barka by eight wickets and Kingfisher thumped Proline Knight Riders by the same margin.
A total of 48 teams took part in the men’s Challenge Cup knockout and five teams participated in the Women’s Cup organised as part of Grand cricket tournament from March 4 to 26.
Dr Mohammed Humaid al Alawi, Administration and Financial Manager at Jalan Bani Bu Ali Hospital, was the chief guest for the concluding ceremony in presence of chief organiser Ali Humaid al Alawi, CEO of GGI.
The chief guest handed over the trophies and prizes to the winners and runners-up teams. Individual awards were also presented during the ceremony.
“I am pleased to see the excitement of the players and happy to be part of the tournament,” the chief guest said.
Chief organiser Ali thanked all the teams for competing in the first Grand tournament.
“I congratulate the winners and thank all teams for making this tournament a success.”
“We will start our bigger tournament, Corporate Cup cricket in April,” Ali announced.
Technical director Sanjit Kanojia said the Corporate Cup is planned with 30 teams divided into five groups.
“The Grand tournament was a challenging affair with 48 teams and 5 women’s teams. But with support of the organising committee and the teams we managed to conclude the tournament on a bright note.”
“The Corporate Cup is planned to be a league format,” Sanjit added.
Pradeep of Kingfisher was selected as the man of the series. Akbar of Michael XI was the best batsman of the tournament, Shafik of Matco XI claimed the best bowler award and Ajay of Kingfisher became the best fielder.
Altaf of Ruwi Smashers got a special gift for scoring the lone century of the tournament. Altaf smashed 15 sixes to score 117 from 34 balls.
ISC WOMEN’S CHAMPS
Indian Social Club (ISC) Oman emerged winners of the Women’s Cup round-robin event by winning all their four matches. Wadi Kabeer Women finished runners-up with three wins.
Tripti Pawde of ISC won the women of the series award. Shreya of Wadi Kabeer claimed the best batswomen award, teammate Radhika was selected as the best fielder and Yukta of ISC became the best bowler of the tournament.
