It all came down to ICT v VMA Suleman Textile at the grand final of the 18th Challengers Cup. A hard fought tournament, some thrillers, centurions and fifers before the match took place at Al Mansoora ground on Sunday.
VMA Suleman Textile batted first with Rabish Ahmed in sublime form. Openers Rameez Mehboob and Noman Ampara started things off on the right note with knocks of 25 and 41 runs respectively. Rabish then took over, completely dominating the opposition. His 83 run innings included 7 boundaries and 4 sixes. The team then lost a few quick wickets before Shahid Ali's 34 not out boosted VMA Suleman to a mammoth total of 215 in 20 overs. ICT bowlers were out of sorts, unable to pick wickets when needed and keep the pressure on. Hunain Usman fought hard with his 2 wickets but it was too little, too late. Shahzaib, Saad and Waqar also picked up a wicket each.
In response, ICT needed an extraordinary innings to get over the line. Ahmed Hussain was almost the hero that so required. His 127 run innings was one of the finest knocks we have ever witnessed in local cricket, coming off just 57 balls, including 15 boundaries and 6 sixes. It was a pity that he received no support on the other end to help build the partnership the team so desperately required. Ali Iqbal knocked 21 but wickets fell in quick succession as VMA bowlers refused to give up. Skipped Shehzad Suleman picked up 3 wickets under pressure with Naveed Rangoonia also taking a couple. ICT were limited to 204 for 8 in 20 overs.
An exciting final. A fitting finish as VMA Suleman Textiles won by 11 runs and were crowned champions of the 18th Challengers Cup.
