After suffering defeats in their previous outings, Devnik United and GT CC revived their qualification chances in Week 12 of the Ghana Cricket Association Division One T20 League, Qualifier B.
On Sunday, February 23, 2025, both sides secured vital wins against Swami Indians CC and Champion United, respectively.
Devnik United Bounce Back Strong
In the morning fixture, Devnik United faced Swami Indians CC in a rain-affected match reduced to 17 overs per side.
Winning the toss and opting to bat, Devnik managed 102/9. Despite a slow start from Ayushmaah 24(24) and Nikunj Patel, who was dismissed by Nirav Pomal in the third over, Devnik kept their innings afloat. Nirav Pomal led Swami’s bowling attack with impressive figures of 3/20.
Swami Indians CC’s response faltered under pressure. Devnik’s bowlers dominated, with Player of the Match Godfred Bakiweyem delivering an exceptional spell, taking 2 wickets for just 8 runs, including a wicket-maiden (4-1-8-2).
Aqeel Israr Syed (4-0-23-2) and Kush Bhagat (0.2-0-1-2) also contributed crucial wickets. The Rohit brothers—Sukhija (3-0-12-1) and Makhija (2-0-10-1)—each claimed a wicket, ensuring Swami collapsed for 58 runs in 13.2 overs. Devnik sealed a comfortable 44-run victory.
The win lifts Devnik United to third place in Qualifier B with 8 points, while Swami Indians CC remain at the bottom, yet to register a point.
GT CC Survive Late Scare to Defeat Champion United
In the afternoon match, GT CC moved up the Qualifier B table to fourth place with 6 points and a +1.1 NRR after defeating Champion United by four wickets.
Opting to bat, Champion United posted 111/9. Captain Syed Anees anchored the innings with 19 off 40 balls, while Rizwan Iqbal’s quickfire 26 off 13 balls provided late momentum. However, consistent wicket losses hampered their progress.
GT CC started their chase strongly, with opener Samson Awe Awiah smashing 49 runs off 33 balls, supported by James Vifah’s 18 off 20. At the halfway mark, GT stood comfortably at 83/1, needing just 29 runs from the remaining overs.
However, Champion United staged a late comeback. Samson was run out by Syed on 10.2 overs, triggering a flurry of wickets. Mohammed Firoj, Rizwan Iqbal, Deepak Kumar, and Syed Anees each took wickets, putting GT under pressure. Despite the scare, GT CC managed to cross the finish line at 112/6 in 15.3 overs.
Samson Awe Awiah earned the Player of the Match title, adding two wickets to his near half-century performance (2-0-18-2).
Champion United’s campaign ends in disappointment, finishing seventh with just 4 points, confirming their relegation to the lower division next season.
The Road Ahead
With their victories, Devnik United and GT CC have kept their Premier League hopes alive. The final round of matches will be decisive in determining which teams join Alpha CC and Salt n Pepper in the top tier next season.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
