The 2020 Fuvahmulah Men’s T10 Cricket Cup began on Friday 23rd October and concluded on Friday 27th November with a Grand Final Match between Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy – Afun Team and Bangla Tigers.
The 1st and 2nd place teams respectively from the Group Stages faced each other on a beautiful sunny afternoon at Fuvahmulah cricket Ground. Afun Team captain Ali Yaneeu won the toss and chose to field first.
It looked like the home team plans were going to schedule with the forst 5 batsmen out for 60 runs with just 18 balls remaining. However, Joideep had other plans as he butchered the bowling of riyaz to end Not Out on 37 runs from just 15 balls as the Tigers posted a reasonable 99/8.
In reply, Afun Team, packed with individual players, couldn’t get an early start losing 3 wickets for 26 runs in 4 overs. In the middle of the innings Mohamed Haris gave an effort as he reached 54 runs before being caught to give the home side a chance at victory with 12 runs to win off the final over.
Bowler Rassel took on the responsibility in fin fashion delivering 6 quick, precise and skiddy balls to see his team to victory.
Bangla Tigers won by 8 runs. SCORECARD
A presentation ceremony was conducted at the conclusion of the match with all tournament trophies kindly donated by Milan Cricket Academy (Malé).
Milan Cricket Academy’s assistance is highly appreciated by all involved in cricket across Maldives and in particular in Fuvahmulah with much support provided to Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy.
All Tournament Statistics, players, teams and further information HERE
Tournament Awards presented by Dr. Bashar, residing in Maldives since 1990 and in Fuvahmulah since 1997. An avid cricket fan with opinions and thoughts are greatly appreciated by the cricketers in the island.
CHAMPIONS: Bangla Tigers (Champions Trophy + 1000rf Prize-money)
RUNNERS-UP: Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy – Afun Team (Trophy + 500rf Prize-money.
BEST BATSMAN: Mohamed Haris
BEST BOWLER: Mohamed Parvez
BEST FIELDER: Naufal Rasheed
MOST PROMISING PLAYER: Mohamed Maan
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: Mohamed Parvez
PLAYER OF THE FINAL MATCH: Mohamed Haris
Special thanks to the match officials Aslam Rasheed, Mohamed Maan, Aishath Aima and Shaara Ahmed Haleem Ibrahim.
Match 1 – Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy Afun Team v Bangla Tigers
SCORECARD
Choosing to bat first, Bangla Tigers scored a fighting 90/3 off their 10 overs with Joideep top scoring with 36* from 23 balls. Afun Team missed 7 catches and run-out opportunities as Binoy, Hassan Mutheeu and Azooz taking a wicket each.
In reply, FCA Afun Team wrapped things up in the 9th over after a powerful 62* from 26 balls from Riyaz Rasheed.
Match 2 – United Indians v Young Tigers
SCORECARD
Winning the toss, the debutant team ‘Young Tigers’ rattled the T20 Champions by setting a target of 91 to win.
After 3 early wickets opener Pervez scored a galant 57* from 33 balls with support from Al Amin 21*.
In reply, the Indians got down to business with vice captain Naofal Rasheed punching 70* to be the top scorer for the day. His innings consisted of 7 maximums and 4 boundaries.
The victory was completed for the Indians in the 7th over and marked their intent to be victorious in the 2nd Senior Men’s competition of 2020.
Match 3 – United Indians v Bangla Tigers
SCORECARD
A high scoring match kicked off the days activities between these 2 ExPat teams with the Bangla Tigers getting a vital win by 21 runs.
The Tigers had a nervy start with the bat losing the first 3 batsmen for only 43 runs after 5 overs. Then, in came Shakib smashing 59 off 17 balls – 30 coming in the final over.
In reply to the Tigers 126/6, United Indians gave a valiant effort and fell short by 21 runs. Mithun (25), Alex (31*) and Jinesh (26) fought hard against the tight bowling of Joideep and Shubo.
Match 4 – Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy – Afun Team v Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy – Kanbili Team
SCORECARD
Afun Team showed their intent to win this years T10 Cricket Cup with a huge victory over FCA Kanbili.
Half centuries for Yaneeu (51 runs from 27 balls) and Haris (61 from 26 balls) were the foundations of Afun Team setting a target of 158 for the team of kanbili junior academy players.
This tournament provides valuable match experience for the youngsters of Kanbili Team and openers Aisaru and Maan frustrated the big boys with calculated ‘leaves’ and solid forward defences – waiting for the bad ball to put away for a boundary.
The match ended with Kanbili scoring just 37 runs. Afun Team won by 120 runs.
Match 5 – Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy – Kanbili Team v Young Tigers
SCORECARD
The youngsters from Kanbili Team had chances to put the dangerous Pervez back in the pavilion as Young Tigers batted first.
Pervez scored 53 playing some stylish shots before being trapped LBW in the 10th over.
Bolwers Rakin and Abaan showed their talent by making chances and keeping the runs down.
In reply, there was no challenge to the 89 target from the Kanbili youngsters and the Young Tigers took all 10 wickets in 7.4 overs.
Match 6 – Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy – Afun Team v United Indians
SCORECARD
The second match of the day again saw a stylish batsman reach a half centure as Maldives men’s national squad player Ali Yaneeu was again not-out with 52, this week from 34 balls.
Riyaz Rasheed chipped in with support before Naufal bagged the second of his two catches in the innings.
Chasing the Afun Team target of 110 was always going to be interesting with the oepning pair of United Indians; Mithun and Naufal taking risks from the first ball.
Tight bowling from Hassan Hood and Hassan Mutheeu saw any danger snuffed out as they bagged a brace of wickets each.
Match 7 – Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy – Kanbili Team v Bangla Tigers
Heavy rain all morning prevented the pitch from being dry enough to play the 1st of the days matches. Match Abandoned. Each team earned 1 point.
Match 8 – Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy – Afun Team v Young Tigers
SCORECARD
Afun Team made it 4 wins out of 4 with an 8 wicket victory over Young Tigers.
Captain Yaneeu won the toss and chose to field first against a stubborn YT batting lineup that only lost 2 wickets setting a target of 65 to the local team – Parvez once again the top scorer with 20 off just 7 balls. Hassan Mutheeu and Hassan Hood bagged another wicket each as they battle for the ‘Best Bowler’ award.
Openers Yaneeu and Riyaz were both felled for 6 runs a piece. However, Haris came in at No. 3, flashed his blade and scored 42 runs from 21 balls to secure maximum points yet again for Afun Team.
This voctory guaranteed a place in the Final Match for Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy – Afun Team.
Match 9 – Young Tigers v Bangla Tigers
SCORECARD
Bangla Tigers took control of the match from the start as they were victorious by 23 runs and booked their place in this years final match.
Opener Zakir, not out 41 from 28 balls and Mubarak, not out 27 form 11 balls go the Bangla Tigers to a good total of 110 form their alloted 10 overs.
In reply, Young Tigers and tournament top batsman so far Parvez, with the pressure on him to perform and carry the team yet again, failed to get into a rhythym and managed just 20 runs not out from 32 balls.
Bangla Tigers took 8 wickets as they romped to victory with 3 run-outs and Alauddin snagging a brace.
Match 10 – Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy – Kanbili Team v United Indians
SCORECARD
Unable to field a team through injuries and absentees, Kanbili Team forfitted the fixture to United Indians. 2 points awarded.
That concludes the 10 Group Matches of this years competition. The Grand Final Match will be played at 3pm on Friday 27th November 2020 at Fuvahmulah Cricket Ground. Presentation of awards to follow at the conclusion of the match.
Final Match: Fuvahmulah Cricket Academy – Afun Team v Bangla Tigers
