Balagi Group of Companies (BGC) concluded their Qualifier A campaign in the ongoing Ghana Cricket Association Division One T20 League with a disappointing 34-run defeat to Carel Super Kings (CSK) at Oval B on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
The loss leaves BGC relying on Net Run Rate (NRR) to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Premier League alive.
Having lost key players ahead of their seventh match, BGC put up a spirited fight but ultimately fell short against a resilient CSK side. After winning the toss, BGC opted to field, banking on their bowling strength.
Their decision seemed promising when Kapil Butola dismissed CSK captain Selvaraj Chokalingam early. However, Stanley Carlson and Derrick Ateak steadied CSK’s innings through the first 10 overs.
Peter Ananya later took charge in the middle overs, scoring an unbeaten 50 off 31 balls, peppering the boundary with ease. BGC’s dropped catches and fielding lapses allowed CSK to post a competitive total of 139/6.
With wickets proving hard to come by, BGC resorted to restricting runs through dot balls, but CSK’s disciplined batting kept the scoreboard ticking.
Chasing 140 runs from 120 balls proved a tall order for BGC. Their innings started on a sour note when wicketkeeper and opener Joseph Theodore was dismissed for just four runs, caught by Selvaraj after a mistimed square drive off Joseph Adotei in the second over.
CSK’s bowling attack, led by Vincent Ateak, Joseph Aboagye, Stanley Carlson, and captain Selvaraj, continued to apply pressure. Gagan Deep Singh brought some hope with an impressive 40 off 29 balls, including 17 runs from the 15th over, reducing BGC’s target deficit to 62 runs at 78/4.
However, BGC’s momentum stalled when they managed only eight runs in the next two overs. Gagan’s valiant effort came to an end when his lofted shot at long-on was brilliantly caught by Vincent Ateak off Carlson Stanley’s delivery in the 18.5 over.
The tailenders, Kapil Jangir and veteran Akoliya V. N. Patel, couldn’t salvage the innings, as BGC crumbled to 105 all out. Joseph Aboagye starred in the final moments, taking three wickets in a single maiden over, finishing with remarkable figures of 4/11 (4-1-11-4) to claim the Player of the Match award.
With this victory, CSK climbs to second place in the Qualifier A table with 10 points from five wins, holding an NRR just behind leaders Rana Motors.
Meanwhile, BGC sits fourth with 8 points and a +1.0 NRR. Their qualification fate now hinges on Defenders’ final match against Ras Binghi next Sunday. Defenders will need a convincing win to surpass BGC on NRR and secure a spot in the Premier League.
Next Sunday promises high stakes and drama as Defenders fight for their place in the league.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
