10/04/2026
๐ฅ๐๏ธUnlimit Friday T20 Grand Final ๐๏ธ๐ฅ
Fitzroy Strikers vs NPOB Peelbacks
The Fitzroy Strikers finally broke their Grand Final hoodoo with a memorable victory over the NPOB Peelbacks, claiming the Unlimit Friday T20 title in what was their fifth consecutive finals appearance. Having suffered heartbreak as runners-up for the past three seasons, all against the same opponent. The Strikers had everything to play for and everything to prove.
Strikers Set the Tone
The Strikersโ day began perfectly when captain won the all-important toss and elected to bat first. Despite the early loss of Bryn, the Strikers responded positively as Prabesh counter-attacked with intent against a Peelbacks bowling attack that showed no mercy.
Prabesh announced the Strikersโ intentions in style, launching a couple out of the park and sending a clear message to the lads from Vogeltown that the challenge would not be taken lightly. His brisk knock of 40 put the Strikers firmly in the driving seat before his dismissal.
Peelbacks Fight Back
Tight bowling and sharp fielding from the Peelbacks clawed their way back into the contest, triggering a collapse that saw the Strikers slump to 100 for 7 in the 15th over. Momentum had shifted, and the pressure was firmly back on the Strikers.
However, calm heads prevailed late in the innings. Alex played a sensible supporting role, while Sudeha provided the firepower with some clean hitting to push the total along. The Strikers were eventually bundled out for 140 in the final over, a total that still felt defendable given the occasion.
Spin Turns the Game
The Peelbacks made a steady start to their chase despite losing Tomas early. Parker and Murfitt then began to take control, striking several l***y blows and threatening to take the game away from the Strikers.
The turning point came with the timely introduction of spin. Both set batters were dismissed soon after, swinging momentum dramatically. Murfittโs innings ended with a moment of brilliance, a spectacular high catch by wicketkeeper Bryn, who sprinted past the 30-yard circle to complete a skyer under pressure.
Spin Brigade Dominate
From there, the Strikersโ spin trio ran riot. Srinu, Aruna, and Prabesh delivered immaculate spells through the middle overs, combining for 9 overs, conceding just 45 runs.
Aruna picked up 2 wickets
Srinu was outstanding with 3 wickets
At the end of the 12th over, the Peelbacks were reeling at 103 for 7, struggling to keep pace with the required rate.
Sealing the Title
To cap off a complete team performance, VJ returned with the ball in the 18th over to clean up the tail, effectively sealing the match. Unlike previous finals, the Strikers were pin-point accurate, sharp in the field, and relentless in their support of the bowlers.
An impressive all-round fielding effort ensured no easy runs were given, restricting the three-time champions NPOB Peelbacks to 109.
History Made
The Fitzroy Strikers finally had their moment, winning by 31 runs. A victory built on belief, discipline, and ex*****on under pressure. After years of near-misses, the Strikers rose on the biggest stage and delivered a performance worthy of champions.
Strikers Batting:
Prabesh Fernando: 40
Alex Kurian: 22
Sudeha Hennayaka: 21*
Strikers Bowling:
VJ: 3.2 Overs | 17 Runs | 3 Wickets
Srinu Vathada: 4 Overs | 20 Runs | 3 Wickets
Aruna Nanayakkara: 3 Overs | 17 runs | 2 Wickets
