KEA win 18th CETAA Cricket Final – Renju claims man of the match

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KUWAIT CITY, Dec 15: The final of the 19th Prof Ramachandran Memorial Cricket Tournament (RMC) conducted by College of Engineerig Trivandrum Alumni Association (CETAA) and sponsored by GTE Olayan Co, Khuff GT&C and Nouri Industrial Est: saw defending champions KEA meet in form and favorites AECK on Dec 11 at the Fahaheel grounds.

AECK had the initial advantage winning the toss sand batting first. And when danger man Mahesh was dropped off the very first ball, the tension of a final seemed to be telling on KEA. In the second over, prolific run getter Shameer was also dropped and AECk took full advantage of the lapses reaching 39 runs by the third over.

It was danger signs of KEA but they had a stroke of luck when mahesh (22) pulled Ajin straight down square legs’ throw without the fielder having to move to take the catch.

This proved to be the break that KEA was looking for and managed to put the brakes on AECK with only 12 runs coming off the next 3 overs. Shameer (33) and Rafi (19) tried to repair the damage with a 35 run third wicket stand in 5 overs but their exit in the eleventh and twelfth over  proved crucial.

KEA bowlers tightened the screws thereafter with speed and accuracy restricting AECk to 106 for 7 off their 15 overs when a score of 120 and beyond seemed very much on the cards. Nithin (2 for 19), Ajin, Nasif, Arjun with a wicket each bowled with heart while Presoon bowled a crucial last over giving away just 2 runs.

In reply, KEA suffered a set back when Nithin was bowled by a Sebastian special in the second over. Ajin (13) and Govind (17) tried to get KEA going with a second wicket stand of 24 runs in 5 overs. Govind’s and Binu’s exit in the seventh over and Ajin’s exit in the eighth with the score board reading only 40 runs seemed to have turned the tide in AECK’s favour.

But fifth batsman Renju who had fought a lone battle in their league match against AECK was still at the crease. His late arrival raised a few eyebrows but proved to be a master stroke in the end.

Captain Tibish (11-retired hurt) gave good support and with the aid of the tail, Renju brought KEA back into contention with intelligent stroke play and brilliant running between the wickets. But still 36 runs were needed of the last 3 overs, the 13 and 14 over yielded 31 runs which proved critical and brought the required runs to only 5 for the last over. But Rinaz bowled a spirited last over giving nothing away. A few scampered singles amidst rising tension made it 2 runs required for 2 balls and the last ball squared the win for KEA boys by 5 wickets with only a ball to spare.

AECK were unlucky to loose after having dominated initially but all credit to Renju (30 not out) again proved spoil sport for AECK.

Special prizes were awarded: Man of the match – Renju; best bowler – Nithin; best player – Shameer; best batsman – Mahesh. Winners and Runners trophy along with medals were distributed by Tapan Ramesh (Regional Manager – GTE), Jose Kurishinkal (President – CETAA), Anil Kumar (GC-KEF), Sreekumar (GC elect – KEF) and Mohanachandran (RMC Chairman).

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