Sharjah: Hologram Players proved they are best in the summer heat by emerging as the champions of the Sharjah Cricket Council’s Summer Cup, defeating Inter Globe Marine by 42 runs. The tournament was contested of 20 teams divided into five groups, consisting of four teams in each, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The architect of Hologram’s victory was skipper Gopa Kumar who led from the front with a deadly five-wicket spell.
Batting first, Hologram were restricted to 134 for 8 in 20 overs despite Vishnu Sukumaran’s 55 runs.
Chasing the moderate total, Inter Globe were bowled out for 92 runs through Gopa Kumar’s spell of five wickets for just 14 runs backed by Syam Ramesh’s three wickets for 23.
It was a tricky total to chase with Inter Globe losing early wickets. Gopa Kumar picked his first wicket with his third delivery by dismissing opener Jawad Ghani.
In the next over he picked another wicket of Farhan Khan for just three runs. Ramesh dealt severe blows claiming two quick wickets. Abid Jutt (25) held on but Gopa Kumar wiped out the tail, picking up three wickets in one over.
Earlier, Hologram were given a quick start with opener Shad Hamza scoring 27 runs off 17 balls with three boundaries and two sixes. Sukumaran unbeaten 55 came off 51 deliveries studded with three boundaries and three sixes.
Brief scores: Hologram Players bt InterGlobe Marine by 42 runs. Hologram Players: 134 for 8 in 20 overs (Shad Hamza 27, Vishnu Sukumaran 55, Tauqeer Riyasat 2 for 30, Sajjad Malok 2 for 21, Ali Malik 2 for 19). InterGlobe Marine: 92 in 19.1 overs (Hussain Tasdeeq 25, Gopa Kumar 5 for 14, Syam Ramesh 3 for 23). Man of the match: Gopa Kumar.
Individual awards: Best Batsman: Saud Afzal (226 runs) (Defenders CC) Best Bowler: Ali Malik (13 wkts) (InterGlobe Marine) Player of the Tournament: Vishnu Sukumaran, 198 runs & 6 wkts (Hologram Players) Fair Play Award: Green Wood team.
