KCA-BFC: Pioneers beat Shaheen to lift the title

Manama : Pioneers defeated Shaheen Group by three wickets in a thrilling final to lift the trophy in the Seven-a-Side Kerala Catholic Association (KCA) Bahrain Financing Company (BFC) Summer Cricket Tournament, which concluded on Thursday night at its premises in Segaiya. 

Batting first, Shaheen Group got off to a fine start in scoring 27 without loss after two overs and by the end of the next had moved along to 41 for two thanks to a fine effort by opener Fayes (19 off seven deliveries, with three sixes).

Arun then (two wickets for none) then bowled a brilliant over and the next only yielded one run with the score at 42 for three.

With Niluk (24 off 11, 4x6) at the crease the total was boosted to 67 for three after six overs.

In reply, Pioneers had a very poor start as they lost two wickets after four deliveries in the opening over courtesy of Janaka (two for one), until Lal Krishna (41 off 14, 6x6) then came to the rescue and along with Anees (23 off 8, 1x4, 3x6) stayed until the end to see Pioneers to victory.

Meanwhile, in the semi-finals, Pioneers brushed aside Telly Kings by five wickets after the latter finished on 46 for five in its six overs with opener Shabir (28 off 14, 4x6) top scoring with Anees, Renjit, Arun and Shyam all collecting a wicket apiece.

Pioneers reached the target scoring 52 for one in 3.5 overs with the main scorers being Arun (21 not out off 15, 3x6) and Rejit (18 off 5, 3x6) with Abbas (one for eight) the best of the bowlers.

The other semi-final saw Shaheen Group beat Leox Co by four wickets as the latter scored 58 for two in its six overs, with Shyam (30 off 17, 2x4, 3x6) and opener Rizo (23 off 11, 1x4, 3x6) the main scorers and Asif, Tua and Prashant getting a week apiece.

Shaheen Group reached its target scoring 59 for two thanks to a partnership of 53 by opener Janaka (20 off 8, 3x6) and Niluk (27 off 27, 4x6), with Rizo and Gino pick up a wicket apiece.

The final was attended by the main tournament sponsor and guest of honour General Manager of Bahrain Financing Company, Pancily Varkey and other sponsors who along with other invitees presented trophies and awards to the finalists and individual awards 

Other event sponsers were - Blue Sea International, Zayani Motors, UAE XChange, RP Construction, Gulf Membrane and Coating Industries, Airport Pharmacy and Bahrain Pharmacy.