CCA Panthers rebound as Abuja Pakistanis take commanding lead

Cricket Club Abuja Panthers (CCAP), who lost their first two games of the on-going Iris Smart Technologies Abuja Cricket League, on Sunday regained their groove to beat Aso Rock Cricket Club by 134 runs for the loss of two Wickets in 17.2 overs.

Also on Sunday, Abuja Pakistanis took a commanding lead on the table when they defeated Abuja Indians in the star match of the day. The Pakistanis and Indians had earlier won their first two games of the competition.

In then clash of the two lightweights, Aso Rock CC won the toss and elected to bat first. In the first innings, they scored a total of 133 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs.

In the second innings, CCA Panthers needed 134 runs to win. And it was an excellent come back for the Panthers, whose opening batsmen, Reji George, Aadil Bhatia, Ayo Ejegi and Pankaj Thiara took the bull by the horns in their quest for victory.

At the end of the chase, Ayo Ejegi and Pankaj Thiara led the Panthers to a convincing 134 runs for the loss of two wickets in 17.2 overs.

In the second match, Abuja Indians won the toss and elected to bat first. At the end of first innings, Abuja Indians scored 128/8 in 20 overs. The Abuja Pakistanis needed to score 129 runs to win. At the end of 20 overs, the Abuja Pakistanis batted 130 to win the match by two wickets.

The league continues this weekend with CCA Panthers meeting Abuja Indians in the first match, while the second game of the day will be between the Abuja Pakistanis and the Aso Rock Cricket Club.

Speaking on the league, Chairman of the Abuja Club Cricket Committee, Mr. Michael Egiethua said the Iris Smart Abuja Cricket League would give opportunities to cricketers in the FCT and its environs to improve on their skills through the competitive game.