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MSC Orange win Xerographics inaugural cricket tournament

Limbada (L) and captain Badat lift the trophy as Xerographics' Patel look on
Limbada (L) and captain Badat lift the trophy as Xerographics’ Patel look on

MSC Orange on Sunday cemented their dominance on the local cricket scene when they outplayed hosts Indian Sports Club (ISC) by 15 runs in the finals of the inaugural Xerographics Eight-A-Side Tournament.

Their 125-110 runs victory has helped them add an eighth major cricket title on their mantelpiece in five years. To qualify for the grand finale, the side triumphed 125-113 runs over MSC Veterans in the semi-finals earlier on the day.

Orange’s pace-man Sohel Gauti was the key figure in ISC’s demolition on this sunny day that made perfect batting conditions. He made do with 13 balls in the second innings to make 26 runs and claim two wickets.

The ease with which his runs came said much about his ability to penetrate the field against quality bowling from ISC’s Pritesh Patel; no wonder he was the man of the match.

The champions’ captain Khalil Badat, whose side had their financier Javid Limbada watching the final from the terraces, seemed too delighted to comment on their victory. He pumped his fists, jumped up and down and shouted: “We are the champions!”

However, his ISC counterpart Mehul Davida admitted defeat. He, however, said they have noted a number of mistakes which they will rectify before taking part in the forthcoming National Bank Cricket League.

“Our friends played better than us; they deserved the victory,” said Davida, whose team beat MSC Blue by 60 runs in the semis after making   130 runs.

Xerographics director Kamlesh Patel promised continued sponsorship of the 16-overs competition, saying they were impressed with the conduct of the players and the good organisation of the games by the Shiraz Zaveri-led Southern Region Cricket League (SRCL). n

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