Oval B at Achimota took center stage on Sunday, February 2, 2025, as both Qualifier A matches in the GCA Division One League delivered thrilling cricket, attracting even players from Qualifier B matches on Oval A.
The day’s action kicked off with Supreme Cricket Club facing Defenders Cricket Club in a crucial battle for a top-four spot and Premier League qualification. Supreme, having played three matches with only one win, desperately needed a victory to avoid the drop.
Supreme’s Strong Start and Rain Disruption
Winning the toss, Supreme Cricket Club showed great intent, despite struggling to maintain stable partnerships. A promising stand between Charles Des Bordes (22 off 22) and Eyram Kekeli Afutu (20 off 15) produced 32 runs in just 3.3 overs. Their rotation of boundaries kept the scoreboard ticking until Charles was dismissed by Yahaya Adamu in the 10th over with a clean bowled delivery.
By the 16th over, Supreme had posted 110/8 before rain interrupted play. Following the delay, the match was reduced to 10 overs per side under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, setting Defenders a revised target of 69 runs for victory.
Eric Amoah’s Last-Ball Heroics
Defenders Cricket Club began their chase nervously, losing key wickets early and struggling to maintain momentum. The game kept shifting between the two sides as the required run rate fluctuated.
Supreme looked to have gained control by the 8th over, restricting Defenders to just two runs while also taking a crucial wicket, that of Aziz Sualley. With the equation down to 14 runs required from the final over, it was a showdown between Anero Anefi and Eric Amoah, who had come in as the third batter.
With Defenders on 63/4 after 9.5 overs, they needed a six off the last ball to secure victory. The young and determined Eric Amoah, despite his nerves, sent Anero’s final delivery soaring to deep point for a dramatic SIX, sealing a stunning win for Defenders. Fans and teammates stormed the field in wild jubilation as Amoah finished unbeaten on 18* off 15 balls.
Defenders clinched victory by six wickets via the DLS method, while Yahaya Adamu was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling figures of 3.0-0-18-3.
Qualifier A Standings and Rana Motors’ Dominance
With this victory, Defenders remained in fifth place, joining CSK, Evolve Paint, and BGC—all tied at six points but separated by net run rate (NRR). Supreme Cricket Club, with just two points, dropped to sixth.
Later in the day, Rana Motors solidified their position at the top of Qualifier A with a five-wicket victory over BGC. Rana Motors now lead the standings with 10 points, four points clear of the chasing pack.
BGC posted 125 all out in 19.2 overs but failed to contain Rana Motors, who chased down the target, reaching 126/5 in 18.5 overs. Richmond Baaleri was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, taking three wickets for 24 runs and claiming three crucial catches.
BGC’s Rohit Malik was the standout batter, scoring 44 off 41 balls, while Subhasis Ray (35 off 42) and Paul Anthony (33 off 28) played pivotal roles in guiding Rana Motors to victory with their steady partnerships.
The Road Ahead
As the league nears its climax, the battle for the top four and Premier League qualification intensifies in the Ghana Cricket Association-organized competition. With crucial matches ahead, teams will be eager to cement their places in the next phase of the competition.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
