It was all joy as Gujarat Tridents lifted the giant trophy of the Kodak Paints’ sponsored World Oceans Day Soft Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the Dzorwulu Astro Turf.
Gujarat needed to beat Platinum for the second time in the finals, as they both qualified from Group B in the 5-over modified Tennis Cricket tournament.
With other sponsors like Eskay appliances, Jay Kay, Stylin Saloon, Jupiter Lubricants, DP World, 360 Classic 360 Saloon, Blue RR Gh Ltd, DPS Plastics, Vinco Foods, MAC beauty Products, and Indian Salt n Pepper Restaurant, the action-packed day saw each team showcasing their talent in 2 groups of 4, with a younger player and a female player each.
Devnik United came tops in Group A with 6 points, beating DPS Plastic Tamil Pasanga by 3 runs (24/3 & 21/4), Salt n Pepper by 5 wickets (20/7 in 4.2 overs & 21/2 in 3.3 overs) and Kaneshie Knight Riders by 18 runs (36/3 & 18/6).
Joining Devnik United to the semifinal was DPS plastic Tamil Pasanga, who had a better Net Run Rate against Salt n Pepper and Knight Riders, as they all defeated each other.
Kaneshie Knight Riders beat Salt n Pepper by 6 wickets (23/6 & 24/1 in 3.4 overs). Salt n Pepper defeated DPS Plastic Tamil Pasanga by 4 wickets (25/6 & 26/3 in 4.1 overs) and DPS also beat the Knight Riders by 23 runs (41/3 & 18/6)
It was more interesting in Group B, as Platinum topped with 4 points and +2.5 NRR, ahead of champions Gujarat Tridents with 4 points and -0.12 NRR, a bit higher than Evolve Paint’s 4 points and -1.9 NRR.
Unfortunately, only MMG could not win a single match in that group, while Gujarat defeated Platinum by 5 wickets (33/2 & 34/2 in 4.4 overs) and Platinum beat Evolve by 40 runs (56/2 & 16/4), before Evolve saw off Gujarat by 4 wickets (16/6 in 3.3 overs & 17/3 in 3.5 overs).
Other Sponsors include Rajnis Ghana, M-Vision entertainment, MPG Pharma, St Joseph Plastics, Desan Prime Ltd, Saffron Saga Restaurant, Neha Supermarket.
The semifinal 1 saw Devnik United doing so well, with some brilliant catches by Ayushman, but losing to Gujarat Tridents by 19 runs. Gujarat scored 42/2 and limited Devnik to 23/6 in 4.4 overs.
DPS could not find their rhythm in the final semi-final, as they lost quick wickets to the charming young female player of the tournament Falak. DPS managed just 16 runs for 6 wickets in 4 overs after Platinum had scored 34/4 to win by 18 runs.
The final was tensed and was for who wanted it most. Platinum were promising and again with their female sensation, who took 2 wickets with the guidance of wild Sachin. But it was not enough, as the target of 38 runs drew closer for Gujarat to achieve. Gujarat scored 38/2 in 4.1 overs in the second innings to win by 6 wickets after Platinum had scored 37/4 in the first 5 overs.
There were Player of the Match awards for each of the 15 matches played.
In the individual awards, Syed Abdul Muqeet of Gujarat Tridents, won the Best Batter Accolade with a total of 65 runs from 5 innings, whereas young female sensation of Platinum, Falak Thakwani won the Best Bowler award with 5 wickets to her credit and an economy rate of 10.80 from 5 innings. Best fielder was to Suraj Poojary of Devnik United, who took 5 catches and 7 dismissals, while MVP went to Muqeet of Gujurat.
Best U-14 Player of the tournament was to Samad Malik of Gujurat Tridents, while that of the female best player went to Falak Thakwani.
All were presented with juicy prices and mini trophies at a short closing ceremony
Lead Organizer of the World Ocean Day Cricket Tournament, Bharat Punjabi says, they fixed the day to suit the Ocean Day, as it is special to them and promised to host IPL in the coming days.
The 5 over modified Cricket tournaments is taking over, as the Indian community keeps coming together to celebrate the sport they are birthed with.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
