Men’s

Sunday

Moner Dar celebrated his return to the bowling crease with five wicket haul to help bowl out PACC for just 82 runs over at Mission Road this Sunday. After winning the toss he elected to bowl first, and young seamer Noman Ahmed provided him with the initial breakthroughs, sending back both openers with the score at 31 in 8 overs. Moner then brought himself on to bowl, and in a 9 over spell managed to send back 5 batsmen for just 33 runs. He was well accompanied by Ehsan Khan at the other end, who conceded just 13 runs in his 7.4 overs in exchange for 3 wickets. Only three PACC batsmen made it past double digits, with opener Daniyal Bukhari top scoring with 19, as they struggled against DLSW’s spin attack. In response, Tanwir Afzaal took three cheap wickets -including a wicket on the 2^ndball of the chase- but it wouldn’t be enough. Ehsan Khan followed his fine spell with the ball with 36 runs (41 balls, 4 fours), and Aftab Hussain’s unbeaten 21 (27 balls, 5 fours) took his side home with more than 30 overs to spare. A much-needed win for DLSW JKN, they now sit 2^nd in the table.
DLSW JKN 84/4 (19.1) beat PACC Elite 82 a/o (25.4) by 6 wickets | Scorecard

A stunning century by Kinchit Shah resurrected the HKCC Scorpions innings after a poor start, and laid the platform for their second win of the season. Having been sent in to bat on home turf by USRC/MCC Elite, they were struggling at 33/4 in 10 overs. Left-armers Shan Sarwar (spin) and Mohamman Imran (pace) struck the early blows, after which legspinner Hussain Mahroof took two wickets in the 10^th. Kinchit walked out to bat at the fall of the 3^rd wicket, and proceeded to rebuild. He started with a 64-run partnership in 15.4 overs with Jhathadev Subramanyan (28), and then turned the game around with Quentin Painter. Shah and Painter put on 124 runs in just 18.1 overs, and by the time Painter was dismissed (69 runs off 53 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes), the platform for a final surge had been set. From 221/6 in 43.5 overs, Kinchit Shah stepped on the gas, and scored 59 runs off the next 26 balls he received. He holed out to the deep on the final ball of the innings to be dismissed for 133 (126 balls, 10 fours, 5 sixes) and the Scorpions finished on 303/8 in their 50 overs. Imran Arif was expensive but picked up 2 wickets at the death, and there were two runouts in the field as well.
Kinchit was then entrusted with opening the bowling, and pinned Imran Arif LBW in the 7^th over. Rameez Raja (25) and Umar Muhammad (49 off 57 balls, 9 fours) rebuilt with a 52-run partnership, but Raja’s dismissal in the 17^th over sparked a collapse. 77/2 suddenly became 99/6 in 22 overs, which eventually became 124 all out in 31. James Miles took the wicket to trigger the collapse, but it was skipper Isaac Poole (10-0-42-4) and allrounder Raag Kapur (5.4-1-12-3) who did all the damage. Kinchit Shah capping off an excellent all-rounder performance with a run-out in the field too.
HKCC Scorpions 303/8 (50) beat USRC/MCC Elite 124 a/o (30.4) by 179 runs | Scorecard

The KCC Infidels continued their unbeaten season with a massive 245 run victory over the CHK Dragons at their home ground. Electing to bat first, skipper Devang Bulsara lead the way with 76 off 108 balls (7 fours) as his side piled on 314 in their 50 overs. He laid the platform, after which Niaz Ali provided the finish, with a rapid 68 (47 balls, 5 fours, 4 sixes). There were cameos throughout the order, with Ali Mohammad (31 off 15) helping take 38 off the final 3 overs.
Ali Mohammad then starred with the ball, as KCC ripped through the Dragons for just 69 runs. He took 4 wickets for just 2 runs in his 4 overs, and along with Vishal Sharma (3/14) and Niaz Ali (2/15) ensured that KCC would stay at the top of Division 2 and continue their push for promotion.
KCC Infidels 314/8 (50) beat CHK Dragons 69 a/o (20.1) by 245 runs | Scorecard

Saturday

At Mission Road the HKCC Nomads picked up an upset victory over PACC Championship in a thrilling low scoring game. Batting first after winning the toss, the Nomads lost an early wicket but rebuilt through Tej Sheopuri (24) and skipper Ian Massey (23). Tej was dismissed with the score at 48, and when Massey was removed at 64 the Nomads suffered a bit of a collapse. They found themselves at 76/6 first ball of the 24^th and struggling. Kym Graham (31* off 54, 4 fours) then batted through to take his side past 100, and was accompanied well by Christopher White and Benjamin Swan. The Nomads finishing on 139/7. Offspinner Huzafah Mohammad stood out amongst an excellent team bowling performance, taking 2 wickets and giving away just 9 runs in his 7 overs.
PACC started will in the chase – Wajib Shafi (24), Saqib Khan (16) and Hamed Khan (32) laying the platform in the Top 3, and after 26 overs they needed just 44 more runs with 6 wickets in hand. Christopher White had bowled well till his point, taking 3 wickets, but it would seem like HKCC just didn’t have enough runs on the board. However, Ian Massey struck in the 27^th, and with that the pressure began to build. PACC started losing wickets at regular intervals – Toby Brown taking 3 in a 4-over spell – and despite a few big hits from Arbaz Khan, they found themselves needing 4 runs to win off the final over with just 1 wicket in hand. The Nomads turned to the pace of Atif Fayyaz for the final over, and he provided the breakthrough 3^rd ball, bowling the number 11 to win the game for his side by just 2 runs! An exciting finish to a great game, the result of which heats up the competition in the middle of the table.
HKCC Nomads 139/7 (35) beat PACC Championship 137 a/o (34.3) by 2 runs | Scorecard

The KCC Derby between the Saracens and Tartars was a hard-fought scrap, with the Saracens emerging victorious by just 8 runs. Their first win of the season was determined by D/L method after a slow over-rate from the Tartars got them 15 runs in penalties – a contribution that helped them put up 140 batting first. No individual batsman crossed 23 for the Saracens, but plenty of little contributions got them to a defendable score. For the Tartars, it was off spinner Daood Ashfaq who starred, taking 4/21 in his 7 overs, and they were able to bowl out the Saracens in the 33^rd.
In reply, the Tartars lost their first 6 wickets for just 69 runs, losing one wicket each to every bowler utilized by the Saracens. Ghulam Iqbal and Daood Ashfaq took the Tartars up to 100, before Niaz Ali and Vishal Sharma each struck again. Ateeq Iqbal hung around, and after 32 overs the Tartars were 119/8. That’s when the game had to be called to a close, and it was determined via D/L method that the Tartars were 8 runs behind the par score. Once again no batsman crossed 22, and both Niaz Ali and Vishal Sharma returned 2/20 in their 7 overs.
KCC Saracens 140 a/o (32.3) beat KCC Tartars 119/8 (32) by 8 runs (D/L method) | Scorecard

In Division 2, Taipans-PACC continued a successful season so far with a comfortable 5 wicket victory over CCC Hung See at PKVR Park. Jason Lui marked his return to the side with 49 off 44 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes) as Hung See posted up 151/7 after choosing to bat first. Navdeep Singh and Mohammad Aqeel took two wickets each, but Jason and cameos from the rest of the order (including 28 from Bobby Chan) took CCC to a defendable score.
Peter Doshi ensured there would not be an upset today with a steady 66 from 76 opening the batting (9 fours, 1 six), and formed several partnerships towards the innings. He was dismissed las ball of the 22^nd with the score at 120, and Taipans lost two more wickets in the next 9 runs, but Parinkumar Shah and Umair Mohammad ensured there would be no further hiccups, finishing the chase with a flurry of boundaries.
Taipans-PACC 155/5 (26.5) beat CCC Hung See 151/7 (35) by 5 wickets | Scorecard

And at GDB we were treated to another run-fest, with 687 runs being scored across the 70 overs. Kai Tak were sent it to bat first by HKU CC, with both sides sporting perfect records at this ground thus far, and piled on a massive 399/8 in their 35 overs. Brett Winterscale top scored with 95 off just 59 balls opening the batting (7 fours, 8 sixes), and his knock set the tone for the rest of the innings. Brett Richardson (68 off 52), Robert Ward (67 off 24) and Mohsin Naqvi (70 off 33) all hammered fifties, as batsman after batsman came in and found the fence with ease. A strong HKU attack was taken for 25 boundaries and a whopping 33 sixes, as the Kai Tak batsmen found the small boundaries to their liking, piling on 399 runs in their 35 overs. Subbu Rao emerged from the chaos with some credit, taking 3/67 in his 7 overs, and left arm seamer Haroon Bashir was also excellent, giving away just 32 in his 7.
In reply, HKU CC seemed determined to give as good as they got, with Ashwin Dokania and Mohammad Ali scoring 93 runs in the first 7 overs of the chase. Ali was dismissed in the 8^th over for 52 (off just 21 balls) and that triggered a bit of a wobble. Three more wickets fell quickly, and after 11 overs HKU CC were 115/4. Robert Ward took all three wickets to fall, and followed up his batting performance with 3/57 in a 7 over spell. Ashwin kept batting on, and brought up yet another century – his second at this ground this season. He was eventually dismissed for 112 off 73 balls (16 fours, 2 sixes), and despite cameos from Bashir (40 off 22) and Sackthi Muthu (23), HKU CC couldn’t keep up with the run rate. JP Du Plessis, Brett Hutton and Saurav Biswas took 2 wickets apiece, and HKU CC were bowled out in the final over for 288. A big win for Kai Tak that strengthens their chances at promotion, and especially important with Taipans-PACC hot on their heels.
Kai Tak 399/8 (35) beat HKU CC 288 a/o (34.2) by 111 runs | Scorecard

Women’s

The DLSW Wasps continued their unbeaten season with a massive win over CCC Fung Wong. The highly anticipated match-up between two of the top teams ended up as a blowout – Mehreen Yousaf (5.4-2-9-6) and Maryam Bibi (6-3-12-4) bowling out Fung Wong for just 26 inside 12 overs – the lowest score of the season so far. An excellent performance by Wasps’ young allrounders, with CCC’s batting just not showing up. CCC did secure a run-out in the chase, but Rajvir Kaur and Iqra Sahar finished it off for no further loss in 8 overs. DLSW Wasps stay steady at the top of the table, and after a strong start Fung Wong have now lost two in a row.
DLSW Wasps 27/1 (7.4) beat CCC Fung Wong 26 a/o (11.4) by 9 wickets | Scorecard

Later in the day, the Cavaliers picked up a much-needed win over the KCC Maidens, making it 2-0 between the two sides this season so far and taking them to second in the table. Electing to bat first, the Cavaliers lost a wicket first ball, but Cri Zelda Brits struck 61, and held up an end as wickets kept tumbling. Lemon Cheung scored 13 but no other batter crossed double digits, and HKCC were bowled out for 123 in 22 overs. Rida Haider starred with the ball, taking 4/27 in 7 overs, including the wicket of Cri Zelda, with the other KCC bowlers enjoying success as well. In reply, four Maiden’s batters crossed double digits, but no one could stick in to build a substantial innings. Alison Siu bowled excellently to take 5/17 in 6.2 overs, and Emma Lai chipped in with 3/24 in 10, as the Maidens were bowled out for just 85 in 26.2 overs. This win takes the Cavaliers back to 2^nd in the table, but they have a lot of work ahead of them to overtake the Wasps.
HKCC Cavaliers 123 a/o (22) beat KCC Maidens 85 a/o (26.2) by 38 runs | Scorecard

Juniors

Under-17

On Saturday morning the DLSW Tigers U17 pulled off a 42-run victory over KCC U17s at Mission Road. Both sides were missing their U-19 representatives, as the HK U19s were out competing in Thailand, which presented a great opportunity for a lot of the younger and fringe talent to compete. The Tigers were sent in to bat first, and posted up 156/7 in their 35, largely thanks to 54 (96 balls, 2 fours) from Jagraj Singh opening the batting. Ahaan Trivedi bowled well, conceding just 25 runs in his 7 overs and taking 2 wickets, while Malhaar Vora worked through his 7 overs for just 18 runs and a wicket. In response Hassan Jat, Farhan Khan and Ramzan Khan each took 2 wickets as KCC were bowled out for 114 in 30 overs. There were four runouts in the field too, as a disciplined DLSW unit picked up their second consecutive victory for the season. Trivedi the only batsman to cross double digits for KCC, scoring 29 off 63 balls opening the batting.
DLSW Tigers U17 156/7 beat KCC U17 114 a/o (30.1) by 42 runs | Scorecard

Meanwhile at GDB, the Lantau Lions made it 4 wins in 4 games with a 6-wicket victory over DLSW Cheetahs. Bowling first they kept the Cheetahs to just 107, with Hussain Ihtisham’s 4/11 in 5 overs being key. Faizan Khan batted nicely for 36 opening the batting, but lacked support, as his side were bowled out in just 24 overs. The Lantau Lions made short work of this target – Hussain Hamaad consolidating his position at the top of the run scoring charts with an unbeaten 43 (54 balls, 5 fours), and Khan Qasim hitting five boundaries in 12 deliveries, as they chased it down within 18 overs.
Lantau Lions U17 108/4 (17.5) beat DLSW Lions U17 107 a/o (24) by 6 wickets| Scorecard

Then on Sunday the LMC U17s picked up their first win of the season, edging out DLSW Cheetahs by just 12 runs. Electing to bat first, skipper Mohammad Saddiq then hit 68 off 70 balls (10 fours, 1 six) opening the batting, and along with a quick 34 from Luqman, helped LMC post up 145 runs. They were bowled out in just 25.4 overs though, with Partik Vasandani (4/19) and Jainam Sanghvi (4/11) causing LMC to collapse from 132/2 in 20 overs. Saif Mohammad then struck second ball of the chase to give them a good start, but Heet Dani (26) and Darshan Shah (43 off 53, 4 fours, 2 sixes) took the Cheetahs to 82/1 inside 14 overs, setting a solid platform to finish the game. However, they too collapsed – Saif returned to take three more wickets, with Muskan Ali Khan taking 2/27 in his 7 overs too. The 8-man Cheetahs were bowled out in the 27^th over for 133, just 12 runs short of the target.
LMC U17 145 a/o (25.4) beat DLSW Cheetahs U17 133 a/o (26.4) by 12 runs | Scorecard

Under-15

On Sunday afternoon the U15 30-Over competition resumed, with a Elite Division match between DLSW Cheetahs and HKCC Witherers. The Cheetahs elected to bat first, and were bowled out for 119 in the final over. Syed Ahamed Malik top scored with 29 in an innings that featured 3 ducks and just two other batsmen crossing into double digits. Wickets were shared by the HKCC bowlers, with Tanishq Kumar the standout, taking 3/30 in 5.2 overs. In reply, HKCC got close but just couldn’t get over the line. They lost a few early wickets till Aman Gidwani and Tanishq Kumar rebuilt, but then collapsed again, and despite a spirited effort from their lower order were bowled out for 108 inside 25 overs. Tasmey Lukhi took 3/31 in 5.4 overs, and Stavya Italia picked up two crucial wickets to go with his 1/6 in 2 overs.
DLSW Cheetahs U15 119 a/o (29.2) beat HKCC Witherers U15 108 a/o (24.4) by 11 runs | Scorecard

Under-13

With two forfeits this past weekend, we only had three games take place. In the Premier Division, USRC pulled off an upset victory over KCC Crusaders, beating the table toppers by 17 runs at KGV on Sunday. Electing to bat first they scored 106 in their 20 overs, Soban Mohammad’s 53 off just 38 balls (9 fours, 1 six) being the center of the innings. Ollie Shale bowled well to take 3 wickets opening the bowling, with Aarush Leekha bowling his 4 overs for just 5 runs. Soban then turned around and bowled 4 overs for 3/17, and a 10-man KCC side were bowled out for just 89 in the final over. Rohaab Umer took 2 wickets in another excellent spell (4-2-9-2), but it was really the fielding of USRC that shone, with 4 run outs across the innings. A big win for the third ranked side, which will no doubt give them confidence going into the finals later in 2019.
USRC Premier U13 106/8 (20) beat KCC Crusaders U13 89 a/o (19.4) by 17 runs | Scorecard

Then later in the afternoon in the Elite Division India Club Green picked up another win, beating HKCC Optimists by 14 runs. Batting first they put up 94 runs in their 15 overs, with Aarav Kapur top scoring with 19. Krishiv Mehandiratta then took 3/14 in his 3 overs as the Greens kept the Optimists to just 80 runs. Zain Amjad (15) and Advait (13) batted well but just couldn’t get their side over the line. This takes India Club to 9 wins out of 10 games, and they look set to qualify for the finals.
India Club Green 94/3 (15) beat HKCC Optimists U13 80/5 (15) by 14 runs | Scorecard