The Hard Ball Tennis Cricket World Cup Tournament at Achimota Cricket Oval B witnessed an action-packed opening weekend on Sunday, March 23, 2025, as Salt N Pepper, Devnik United, and Royal Stars Tema dominated their respective groups to remain unbeaten.
Sponsored by Lenovo and Dunamis Shipping & Logistics, the thrilling 5-over modified cricket tournament saw teams battling fiercely for qualification to the quarterfinals set for Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Salt n Pepper defeated both The Game Changers and Invincible Eleven. With a 32-runs victory over The Game Changers after a 60/3 and 28/3 results, the Invincible Eleven gave Salt n Pepper, a good game, while the former triumphed by just 2 runs in Group A.
The Game Changers earlier beat Invincible Eleven by 26 runs and thus qualified to the last 8.
In group B, Devnik leads with 4 points and +9.100 NRR, after victories against 2nd place Evolve Paint and Atlantic Eleven. Devnik went past Evolve by 27 runs, while they posted 53/6 and conceded 26/5. They went on rampage against Atlantic Eleven, scoring 87/3 and limiting the former to 23/4.
Evolve, made it to the quarter-finals, as they thumped Atlantic Eleven by 68 runs, scoring 87/3 and conceding 19/6.
With great support from Indian Salt N Pepper Restaurant and Nana Milk, the intense cricket battles saw unstoppable Royal Stars Tema top group C with 4 points, after wins against Accra Titans and Panjab Warriors. Royal Stars Tema run away with a 7-wickets victory over Panjab Warriors, when they chased the 34/1 score on the board with 37/3 in 3.4 overs in the second innings.
Royal Stars Tema, then cruised to a 36 runs victory in their second match against Accra Titans. The Royals scored 70/4 and limited Accra Titans to 34/6. Accra Titans finished 2nd with 2 points and made it to the last 8. With a ball left, Accra Titans achieved 27/4, chasing 25/4 from the first innings.
Lenovo, a strong computer brand in the market believes in excellence, while Dunamis Shipping & Logistics appreciates the resilience of the players. Salt N Pepper is always making their customers lick their fingers, whereas Nana Milk gets higher demand than supply, with its great taste and market expansion across Ghana.
Jay Kay Spikers unfortunately missed out on qualification from group D, as they lost to both Defenders 11 and DPS Tamil Pasanga. Defenders narrowly beat Jay Kay Spikers by 6 runs after 43/4 and 37/6 results. DPS Tamil Pasanga were also 25 runs victors over Jay Kay after 57/4 and 32/3 results.
Top of the table will be decided on Sunday, March 30, 2025 when Defenders lock horns with DPS Plastic Tamil Pasanga before the knockout matches begin.
Although group D is not sorted, Salt n Pepper plays Accra Titans for the first Quarter-finals, while Royal Stars Tema faces The Game Changers in the third quarter-final match. Devnik United will lock horns with runner up of Group D, while Winners comes face to face with Evolve in the last quarters.
With players gearing up for the individual awards sponsored by Crop & Krew Unisex Salon, NutriSnax, Daily Food, The Master Cut and OMAN FOFOR, Preetham Anchan of Devnik United already leads the batting chart with 59 runs, followed by Sachin of Royal Stars Tema with 45 runs.
Devnik United’s Aqeel Israr Syed is top of the bowling chart with 4 wickets, with a close marking by Logan of Accra Titans with 3 wickets.
However, Nitesh Kanjarbhat of Evolve leads the MVP chart with 10.2 points, ahead of Aqeel Israr (7.444 points) and Preetham Anchan (6.557 points).
The battle for the bragging rights, the whooping GH₵12,000.00, and a prestigious World Cup trophy, comes off with the exciting but tough matchups lined up for Sunday, March 30, 2025.
With week one witnessing electrifying stuff and thrilling moments, unforgettable performances await all cricket enthusiasts on the final day. There will be entertaining programs lined up on the final day, as well as captain’s interactions.
Dignitaries lined up to grace the award presentation include GCA President, Indian High Commission Officials, Mr Sinosh, and Mrs Mega Vinod will all be present.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
