The BOHRA-MEMON Challenge Trophy played at the R. Premadasa International Stadium on the 2nd of September 2007 came to an exciting, nail biting finish with the BOHRA SPORTS CLUB emerging victorious by a narrow margin of 19 runs.

The BOHRA S.C, having first lease of the wicket were in a strong position placed at 156 for 3 in 27 overs before a collapse triggered by M. Waseem (5 for 46) pushed back the scoring rate, enabling the BOHRA S.C to reach a modest total of 247 for 9 in a shortened 48 over match. The BOHRA’s were led by their star performer Taher Hamza who batted brilliantly to score an outstanding 116 from only 100 balls smashing 9 fours and 5 towering sixes.

The MEMON S.C started off their run chase in a positive manner scoring 60 off the first 12 overs with the loss of a solitary wicket, but it was in the 19th over when the match turned on its head as 2 wickets fell in consecutive deliveries, as Hussain Mansoor 10 overs – 4 for 23) delivered a beauty to take MEMON S.C’s most consistent batsman, Fazlay Husain, plumb LBW for a first ball Duck! The score from a positive 92 for 2 slumped to 92 for 4, thereby opening the gates for the BOHRA’s who did not fail to capitalise.

There was another swing in the pendulum as M. Shiraz, undoubtedly MEMON S.C’s most powerful hitter took the attack back to the BOHRA’s, smashing a quick fire 46 off just 34 deliveries with 4 massive sixes & 3 fours! After a well executed slower ball by the captain of the BOHRA’s, Ali asgar Abdeali (10 overs – 2 for 48) producing a mis-timed shot that thankfully led to the fall of Shiraz, the match once again swung in the favour of the BOHRA’s team.

Eventually after some lower order resistance, the MEMON S.C caved in with the total 19 runs short of the target in the 46th over. Once again it was the bowling department of the BOHRA’s team that proved to be too hot to handle for the opposition as Shabbir Mohamedhussain, Juzar Noordeen, Shabbir Hazari and Taher Hamza bowled with great accuracy and effectiveness.

The difference between the 2 sides was clearly the fielding display, as the BOHRA’s were nearly flawless, unlike their compatriots who spilled crucial catches when it mattered the most. Overall the BIG MATCH turned out to be a real entertainer for the large crowds that had gathered to witness a thrilling cricket encounter by two equally strong, well balanced teams.

Taher Hamza bagged both the Man of the Match & Best batsman awards, whilst M. Waseem & M. Sameer from the Memon S.C were awarded the Best Bowler & Best Fielder awards respectively.

Summary:
Bohra Sports Club – 247 for 9 (48 overs)
Taher Hamza 116
Aliasgar Abdeali 23
Huzefa Husseini 19
Zoeb Asgerally 17
Juzar Noordeen 16

Memon Sports Club – 228 All Out (45.3 overs)
Hussain Mansoor 10 overs – 4 for 28
Aliasgar Abdeali 10 overs – 2 for 48
Taher Hamza 4.3 overs – 2 for 27
Shabbir Mohamedhussain 10 overs – 1 for 58

BOHRA SPORTS CLUB CRICKET SQUAD:

  1. Ali asgar Abdeali (Captain)
  2. Shabbir Mohamedhussain
  3. Hussain Mansoor
  4. Zoeb Asgerally
  5. Juzar Noordeen
  6. Taher Hamza
  7. Mustafa Saifuddin
  8. Huzefa Husseini
  9. Shabbir Abbas
  10. Shabbir Hazari
  11. Hussain Mustansir
  12. Lamak Fazleali
  13. Abdul Qadir Mustafa
  14. Hatim Mohamed
  15. Mufaddal Saldiwala
  16. Hatim Akberali
  17. Murtaza Shiraz