Punjab national champion after spectacular duel
Published at 14 September, 2024Punjab Ghausia is Dutch cricket champion 2024. In a run-rich match in Rotterdam, it defeated VRA 270/7 – 272/9 with only two balls to spare.
VRA opted to bat after winning the toss. After the first Powerplay, it was 46/1, so the start was on the cautious side. Vikram Singh, dropped on 5, was caught in the same over (58/2/12). When Demari Prince (32) and Johan Smal (12) were also caught, it was 83/4 and VRA had its back against the wall.
However, the batting side of the Amstelveen team is long and the middle order provided a solid partnership of 97 runs for the fifth wicket with Elijah Eales (56) and Shariz Ahmad. When Luke Scully (25 not out) also made a contribution, VRA had still reached 270/7. Shariz Ahmad had cleverly converted his slow start to 82 not out off 98 balls. Chairman, sponsor and opening bowler Sulaiman Tariq was, as usual, economical and effective with 2-33 in ten overs, Musa Ahmad with 1-42 in ten.
The ground in Rotterdam is small, as is well known, and with enough wickets in hand, 271 should be an achievable target for the home team. However, Sharad Hake caught danger man Jo Vandiar brilliantly on short fine leg and moments later Ben Fletcher (2-27) – almost unplayable on the lively pitch – got Shoaib Minhas caught behind.
Musa Ahmad and Mohsin Riaz (29) built a partnership of 50 runs for the third wicket. Halfway through the innings it was 96/3, where earlier in the day VRA had been at 118/4, and 143 runs were required from the last twenty overs. Saqib Zulfiqar made a quickfire 39. Musa (71) thought he was caught off his pad, but had to leave: 167/5. 82 required from the last thirteen overs, 68 of the last ten and 54 of the last eight, with Sikander Zulfiqar and Burhan Niaz on the mat. The former (41) was run out at a potentially crucial moment after a misunderstanding (224/6/43).
Vikram Singh had Burhan Niaz (39) caught on the long off boundary (252/7). Still, Punjab Ghausia seemed to make it, until Luke Scully took his fourth (and best) catch, diving to the right (260/8). Seven needed of the last over and Clayton Floyd cleans Sajjad Kamal! A wide brings Khurram Shazad on strike and with the best cover drive of his career for six runs, he keeps the win in Rotterdam. In addition to Ben Fletcher, Vikram Singh was also successful with 3-52.
It is Punjab's second title – the first dated back to 2021 – and the first since the merger with Ghausia last winter.
