Emdad Rahman
Scintilla CC Seconds began the local derby running riot as Syed Iftekhar’s five wicket haul put neighbouring rivals Newham to the sword for an important win at the Bobby Moore Sports Pavilion, Flanders Field.
Newham won the toss and decided to bat first. They were comprehensively bowled out for 80 runs from 26 overs. Iftekhar took five wickets, with his teammates combining to take the remaining five wickets – Rifat Mahmud (2), Captain Shaha Riadh (2) and a single wicket for Mahabub Ahasan Chisty – ensuring an early break for tea.
Despite their dominance in the first innings, Scintilla didn’t make things easy for themselves. Newham lad Jahidul Haque scored 26 and Iftekhar 16 as the team from Barking ended nervously to win by three wickets.
Man of the match Iftekhar said, “Despite a blip I was confident we would win the game. There is too much talent in our team. I’m pleased with my personal achievement and I hope I can continue this form into the next game and beyond.”
Captain Shaha Riadh added, “We are at a crucial part of the season. It was a nervy ending but a win is a win. We need to dig deep as we did today and finish the season positively.”
•In the clash of the senior teams at Fairlop Oak Playing Fields, Newham scored 308 – with Kashif Iqbal scoring 75. Ayaz Karim’s men reached 249/8 with Inayat Hassan and Nobel Rahman contributing 67 and 51 runs respectively. Bellal Hossain added 48 as Scintilla lost by 59 runs.
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