Scintilla CC are Champions!

Muhammad Talha

SCINTILLA CRICKET CLUB have completed a spectacular season as champions. The League leaders held their nerve in a thrilling game against London Eagles at Oakfield Playing Fields, Redbridge, to win the table topping match by 30 runs and wrap up the Championship.

In this top two clash and potential League decider the visitors won the toss and decided to field first. The mercurial Salman Ahmed took the first three wickets, including the plucky Morshadur Rahman, to restrict Scintilla to 62 runs. Adil Ejaz, with a half century, provided the resistance Scintilla have shown under pressure all season.

Yesin Arafat scored 20 before being bowled by Ripon Noor and, skipper Ishaq Shawn scored an important 55 off 73 balls. He was joined at the crease by Sajal Rahman and then Jahidul Haque, who added 40. Younus Ali, Saad Bidiwala and Bilal Khan took up the rearguard to send Scintilla into the break on 239.

London Eagles wicket keeper Mostafiz Rahman was on red hot form. The opener blazed 66 off 51 balls before being dismissed by Shawn, who emulated Salman with the first three wickets. Hanif Kibria led the bowling charge to finish the game on four wickets apiece with the captain.

With the game finely poised, Kibria took a crucial wicket – dismissing Habib Shiplu on 32. Shiplu was unbeatable at the crease until a long shot to deep backward point resulted in the moment of the match – a spectacular catch by MJ Hasan.

During jubilant scenes, Scintilla captain and man of the match Ishaq Shawn commented, “It has been long, it has been hard. This squad of players never know when to give up. They have been relentless and passionate all throughout and the result is that we are champions here today. I dedicate this great moment to the team, and our families, for all the support they provide in the background to enable us to play the game we love.”

Club Captain Ahmed Choudhury added, “Each and every moment spent with this team on and off the field is a learning experience. We have faced success, loss, uncertainty, in equal measure. The attitude of the team has been immense. Each time we have been knocked down we have risen up stronger. We will enjoy this moment with great gusto. Congratulations, team!”

Club Chair Emdad Rahman added, “Scintilla CC was formed to engage, to participate, to compete. We have always been underdogs but our fighting spirit has never withered. Today the team have once again lit up the skyline. We bring vigour and variety wherever we go, and this is testament to the contributions of everyone giving everything for the club crest. Thank you London Eagles for a nail biting game today.”

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