The Ghana Cricket Association Division One League continues to produce surprises each week, and Sunday, February 9, 2025, was no exception as MMG defeated Devnik United on Oval B.
In the morning match, Devnik opted to field after winning the toss. This was their fifth outing, coming off a three-match winning streak that was halted by Salt n Pepper in week five.
MMG posted a modest 104/5 in the reduced 16-over game due to weather interruptions. Dinesh Butola was the standout performer with 43 runs off 37 balls. However, an early LBW dismissal of his opening partner, Vasant Shinde, in the 0.4 over disrupted their momentum.
Devnik, with strong batting options in Rohit Sukhija, Rohit Makhija, Suraj, and Aqeel Israr Syed, struggled to maintain a steady lineup in the second innings. MMG’s Nitesh Kanjarabhat wreaked havoc on their batting order, though Preetham Anchan stood firm as the fourth batter, remaining unbeaten with 36* (27).
Despite Preetham’s efforts, his batting partners fell one after another, limiting their chase. He built partnerships with Suraj, Aqeel, Kushal Shah, and Godfred before closing out the innings with Rohit Sukhija. Devnik United managed only 92/6, handing MMG a crucial 12-run victory.
With this win, MMG moved to third place with six points, while Devnik dropped to fourth, also on six points. Both teams, along with table leaders Alpha (10 points) and second-placed Salt n Pepper (8 points), have two matches left to battle for qualification.
Nitesh Kanjarabhat was named Player of the Match, taking four wickets in three overs while conceding 20 runs.
In the afternoon match, Champion United secured their second win of the league, celebrating their hard-fought victory over Swami Indian.
After losing the toss and being sent to field first, Champion United put on a dominant bowling performance, restricting Swami Indian to just 82 runs in 16.4 overs. Deepak Kumar led the charge with 3 wickets for 19 runs, while Ahmed Sharif took 3 wickets for just 10 runs in 3 overs. Captain Syed Anees Hashmi contributed as well, taking the final wicket on the 16.4 over, finishing with figures of 2.4-0-12-1.
Swami Indian’s batting struggles were highlighted by Sahil Jamwal, who scored 28 (29) before falling LBW to Deepak Kumar on the 13.4 over.
Chasing 83 runs in 120 balls, Champion United ensured a steady approach, losing four wickets but reaching their target in 13.4 overs. Deepak Kumar sealed the game in style with a boundary four, remaining not out on 24 (27) and earning the Player of the Match award.
Although Champion United will not make the top four, they take pride in their victories over Hurricanes and Swami Indian. They now sit sixth with four points and one match remaining, while Swami Indian remain winless after five outings.
As the league nears its climax, the battle for top-four qualification in Qualifier B remains intense. With the final matches approaching, the competition promises more thrilling encounters.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
