Pakistan CC, Indians CC, others shine at Abuja Cricket League

The Iris Smart Technologies Abuja Cricket League got into full swing yesterday at the Cricket Oval, Package B’ National Stadium with four teams taking part in the league. The first game between Abuja Pakistan CC and Aso Rock CC saw Pakistan CC won the toss and elected to bat first scoring a total of 157 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs.

Adnan Akbar was the top performer with the bat with a score of 61 runs off 38 ball strongly supported by Danish Michael with 45 runs off 40 balls.

In the second innings, Aso Rock CC put up a decent chase but fell agonisingly short of the required total to record a score of 148 for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. Musa Ehizoje scored 37 runs off 33 balls supported by Ariyor Gbenga with 37 runs off 28 balls and Onwindiwe Jamal with 36 runs off 34 balls.

Saad Butt got three wickets for 28 runs in four overs as Adnar Akbar was named man of the match. Abuja Pakistan CC won by nine runs
In the game two, Abuja Indians CC beat Cricket Club Abuja Pabthers to win the toss and elected to bat scoring a total of 136 runs for the loss eight wickets in 20 overs.

Abinav Sharma was tops scorer with 39 runs off 38 balls as Abhay Singh got three wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs as the best performer with the ball for CCA Panthers CC.

In the second innings, CCA Panthers started slowly but gradually got their innings together but eventually fell short to record 119 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs. Adil Bhatia scored 60 runs off 45 balls but was, which was not enough to rescue his team as he was named man of the match with 60 runs and two wickets. Abuja Indians CC won by 17 runs.

In the next weekend’s fixtures, Aso Rock CC will clash with Abuja Indians CC (8:30 am) as CCA Panthers CC tackle Abuja Pakistan CC.
Speaking on the sidelines, the North Central representative on the Board of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Oludare Aimola, said the league would help to develop cricket in the North Central States of Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and the FCT.