Punjab Lions continued to dominate the Cyprus cricket scene by winning the season-opening CCA 2022 #BAOFINANCIAL T10 Cup at the Ypsonas cricket ground.
The competition has seen plenty of big hitting, with numerous cricket balls lost in the fields surrounding the pitch. Life has been tough indeed for the poor bowlers!
In the final, contested by two Nicosia-based teams, Punjab Lions posted 124-6 in their ten overs against Sri Lankans, who were restricted to 92-5 in reply. Gurpurtap Singh, having smashed a century in the semi final against the Limassol Sri Lanka Lions, was dismissed for a duck this time, but good innings from Kulwinder Singh and Sushil Kumar ensured a challenging total, which Sri Lankans were unable to threaten.
Earlier, in their semi final Sri Lankans had generously agreed to play their match against the late-arriving Riyaan, and were rewarded with a 9-wicket win, thanks mainly to Akila De Silva’s 83 not out.
Prior to the semi-finals, the quarter finals were contested by the winners and runners-up of the group stage. These matches went true to form, with the group winners prevailing, except for Moufflons who were knocked out by Sri Lankans on their way to the final.
The winners’ trophy was presented to Punjab Lions, and individual awards were given for outstanding personal achievements. Two batsmen hit centuries – not an easy feat in a 10-over game – Gurpartap Singh and Limassol Qalandars batsmen Jawad Ali Shah, both scored against the suffering bowlers of Sri Lanka Lions.
And two bowlers were recognised for the remarkable achievement of taking 5 wickets during their 2-over spells – Nalin Gamage of Sri Lankans and Muhammad Furqan of Limassol Zalmi.
Next up will be an Easter training camp for the Cyprus national team squad in preparation for their world cup qualifying tournament in Finland in July.
Then the next league competition – a T20 league – will start at the beginning of May. Any new teams wishing to join the current 13 teams in participating in this event should contact Cyprus Cricket Association at info@cypruscricket.com before the deadline of 18 April.