The Ghana Cricket Association (GCA) Division One League produced two tight and thrilling matches on Oval A at the Achimota Cricket Ovals on Sunday, October 26, 2025, marking Week 6 of the competition.
BGC Edge MMG in a One-Run Thriller
The day began with Balaji Group of Companies (BGC) Cricket Club pulling off a magical one-run victory over a determined Maharashtra Mandal Ghana (MMG) side after a tense, fun-filled second innings.
BGC, who had already won two matches, were sent into the crease first and made a strong start, thanks to Joseph Kwame Theodore’s solid 50 (44), with support from Rohit Malik, Vicky Bhagat, and Devender Singh, setting a competitive total of 150/6.
MMG responded with spirit and character. Their openers Dinesh Butola (34 off 28) and Ishant Kumar (57 off 44) formed a strong partnership that looked unbreakable. However, Dinesh was eventually dismissed by Rohit Malik in the 12th over with the score at 104, and Ishant followed soon after, caught at deep backward square leg off Vikram Akoliya’s delivery in the 13th.
BGC struck thrice in that same over, halting MMG’s momentum at 109 after 14 overs. Still, Nitesh Kanjarbhat and Manish Thakkar revived hopes with a gritty stand that took MMG to 137/6 after 18 overs, reducing the required run rate.
With 14 runs needed from 12 balls, BGC captain Devender Singh delivered under pressure — bowling out both Nitesh and Manish in the 19th over, allowing just two runs. The tension peaked in the final over when Kapil Jangir conceded a six to Sahil Pawar, reducing the deficit to three runs off two balls. But Kapil bounced back to dismiss Sahil and ran out Pradeep Tandale attempting a desperate double on the penultimate ball, sealing the win for BGC by a single run.
Joseph Kwame Theodore’s half-century earned him the Player of the Match award, as BGC climbed to the top of the Division One table with 6 points and a +0.6 NRR.
Evolve Outclass Salt n’ Pepper in Second Innings Turnaround
Later in the day, Evolve Cricket Club lived up to their name, evolving beautifully in the second innings to steal victory from Salt n’ Pepper, leaving their opponents “tasteless” and winless after two matches.
Evolve had a shaky start, struggling to build partnerships as Julius Mensah, Ashok Bhera Kumar, Evolve Amiya, Mark Bawa, Anil Navalekar, and Elijah Afula combined for just seven runs. However, Bernard Kotey (37 off 47) and Sanjay Pokhriyal (44 off 47) stabilized the innings, guiding Evolve to 100/9.
Chasing 101 in a T20 match looked achievable for Salt n’ Pepper, but cricket had other plans. Evolve’s bowlers staged a remarkable comeback, consistently taking wickets and tightening the run rate. By the 10th over, Salt n’ Pepper were struggling at 44/5.
Elisha Yellison Frimpong (32 off 22) tried to carry the team, but wickets kept tumbling. A crucial run-out by Julius Mensah on the final ball of the 17th over sealed the result, as Salt n’ Pepper were bowled out for 89, handing Evolve an 11-run victory.
Vikram Kumar’s magical bowling spell of 4.0-0-18-4 earned him the Player of the Match title.
Evolve now sit second on the Division One table with 6 points after four matches, while Salt n’ Pepper are 6th with no points from two games.
Next Fixtures
Week 7 of the GCA Division One League continues at the Achimota Cricket Ovals on Sunday, November 2, 2025, with more exciting encounters expected.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
