Devnik United did not only showcase the tenacity to be champions from week 1 of the Lenovo, Dunamis Shipping & Logistics, Nana Milk and Salt n Pepper sponsored World Cup Tournament, but also exhibited consistency throughout their way to the finals on Sunday, March 31, 2025.
The 2-day modified Hard ball Tennis Tournament which began on March 23 with preliminaries, continued with final group match before quarter-final.
Devnik, who first scored the highest (87 runs) in the 5-over game at the Achimota Oval B against Atlantic Eleven, shuttered the dreams of Defenders 11 in the second quarter-final with a 20-runs victory. Defenders could not defend themselves and managed 33/4 score while chasing Devnik’s 53/6.
Before the first quarter finals which saw Salt n Pepper beating Accra Titans by 48 runs after 63/3 and 15/7, Defenders lost to the final group game to DPS Plastic Tamil Pasanga by 24 runs.
Finalist Royal Stars Tema, with huge prospects, also eliminated The Game Changers in the 3rd quarter. Royal Stars’ 10 wickets victory was characterized by the 21/3 score by their opponents and a smooth 22-runs chase, for no wicket in 1.5 overs.
Settling for the final four was DPS Plastic Tamil Pasanga, who broke the ribs of Evolve and made them static with a 9-wickets win, after successfully chasing down a 29/7 with 30/1 in 2.3 overs.
In a fierce semifinal, the Salt n Pepper was not enough for Devnik, as the latter lost by 27 runs to the eventual champions. Devnik scored 64/5 and limited Salt n Pepper to 37/7.
Meanwhile, Royal Stars Tema needed some wild restriction to bottle up DPS Plastic Tamil Pasanga in the second semifinals. The Stars from Tema scored 49/5 and kept Tamil Pasanga at 44/7 to win by just 5 runs.
An Epic final it was between Devnik United and Royals Stars Tema. Devnik rose to the occasion and although dropped 7 wickets, managed to skip beyond 60 runs, scoring a total of 66/7. Royal Stars Tema, with their highest score at 70, were troubled by Devnik. Devnik’s consistent wicket taking from the 2nd over kept Royal Stars steady until they managed 39/9 in 6 overs. A combination of captain Rohit Makhija, Rohit Sukhija, Aqeel Israr Syed, Syed Anees Hashmi, and Kush Bhagat broke the batting line-up of Royal Stars Tema.
However, Rohit Shamlal Sukhija won the player of the match accolade, having taken 2 wickets, giving away 1 run in 1 over. For his efforts, he picked up a trophy and a Canon Printer.
With additional sponsors from Crop & Krew Unisex Salon, NutriSnax, Daily Food, The Master Cut, and OMAN FOFOR, Preetham Anchan of Devnik United won the Best Batter accolade with 100 runs from 5 innings, an average of 20.00 and a strike rate of 227.27. Team-mate Aqeel Israr Syed was also adjudged the Best Bowler for the 2-week tourney, having taken 8 wickets from 5 innings, an economy rate of 6.00 and an average of 4.5
Only Best fielder went to Jaseem of Royal Stars Tema, who dismissed 8 and caught 1.
It was a triple joy for Devnik, as captain Rohit Makhija was adjudged the Most Valuable Player, and walked home with Lenovo Tablet & Trophy.
Devnik team players were presented with gold medals, Master Cut Coupons & 1 carton of NutriSnax Biscuits each, plus cash prize of GH₵12,000.00 and the World Cup trophy.
Runners-up Royal Stars Tema received silver medals, Master Cut Coupons & 1 carton of NutriSnax Biscuits for each player, and GH₵7,000.00 cash prize for the team.
Ghana Cricket Association board, led by their President were present at the closing ceremony, together with Officials from the Indian High Commission to Ghana, Mr Parameshwaran, Mr Shashang, and Mrs. Sabina Paul.
Other Guests of Honor include Mr Divyan, Mr Anilkumar, Mr Biju Joseph, Mr Issac Otuafo Aboagye, Mrs Bindhu Philip, Mrs Dooly Anilkumar, Mr Sudalai, Mr Adarsh, Mr Vishnu Pillai, Shinosh Chetta, and Mrs. Megha Vinod.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
