The feistiness of Phoenix finale clash with the tactical shrewdness of Team Safana Clearance RICC on Friday, 11th of March 2022 was expected to be a fierce battle for the title cup at Isa Town Cricket Ground adjacent to National Stadium.
After winning the toss in tough weather conditions with wind / fine dust, Safana Clearance RICC captain decided to bat first and set a decent target to defend, trying to put pressure on the opposition while chasing.
Phoenix on the other hand had different plans while being asked to field, they went on full attack with good rhythmic bowlers in full swing, Rajeev and Anu supporting each other and showing some aspects of the skills of International level bowling. With 16 runs on board and losing the top order 4 wickets meant their back was against the wall. Then came the finishing Bowler Prakash closing all doors on Safana, removing wickets at ease, and chipping in with magical figures of taking 5 wicket haul giving 6 runs only in 2.2 overs. Team Safana could manage only 86 runs.
Team Safana had to be aggressive in taking wickets, but the openers Prakash (26) and Nideesh (25) gave them a rollicking start, which made the Job easier for Team Phoenix, and even though Sachin was a successful bowler for Team Safana taking 4 wickets in his spell, it wasn’t enough to stop the run flow.
Phoenix managed the target in 13.2 overs and won the match by 5 wickets.
The match on paper looked one-sided but was a very tense final, and dignitaries present were very happy to be witnessing the intensity, from Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF), Anoop Kewalram (Secretary), Emanuel Mayer (Representative from French Embassy), Mademoiselle Catherine Leget (Principal – French School), Hemant Bhatia (VMB Group) and Anup Chabra (American Express) who sponsored the events.
The Grand finale organising team headed by Aadil Ahmed & Zaheer were happy and satisfied with the outcome and hopes to add more versions to the forthcoming tournaments.