03/10/2021
After a tough first half in league stage which meant CCC had to beat Smashers and Cougars just to sneak into the playoffs as a wild card seed and then had to go through Strikers and HICC I in the first two rounds, it only made sense for our final to go down to the wire against a quality opponent in Smashers looking to avenge their loss and just as hungry as us to lift the cup.
Smashers were restricted to just 107, thanks to Maneshโs 3-13, Enoshโs 3-22, and Sridharโs 2-17. However, thanks to great opening spells from Ali Bangash and Adityaa, Smashers were right in the game getting us 12/3. Thought Sridhar played a great cameo, Smashers soon had CCC 58-5 with the run rate rising. However, Girish and Enosh took the game deep and just as it seemed as it was getting out of hand with 29 required off 15 balls, Enosh got two boundaries through square leg and then Girish hit two sixes in the next over to seal the deal and take home Man of the Match for his clutch 41*.
Itโs been a complete team effort throughout the season from Tittu and Raj leading from the front with the bat and giving solid opening stands, experienced campaigners like Girish and Manesh stepping up in the final, Akhi and Sridhar setting the tone with the new ball, youngsters in Wasie, Tejas, Shray, and Usayd contributing in multiple departments, allrounders in Enosh, Bibin, Siddhesh, Nikhil, Manesh, Phani, and Sridhar firing consistently, and the entire Cavaliers club for continuously supporting the team.
A special mention to Reds who qualified all the way to the semifinals thanks to great leadership by Anand V, Krishna, and Sreejayan along with stellar performances from Nilesh, Bibin, Jithin, Pranav, Akshay, Vishal, Kaushal, Pranay, Vyas, Aarin, Rohit Sharma, Rohit Thakur, Karthik, and Dinoy!
Itโs been a tough time for the entire world and we are thankful Houston Cricket League - HCL was able to conduct this tournament. A special shoutout to our sponsor, RVS Insurance Group, LLC. A memorable tournament for us as we lift a cup after 15 years.
Onto the F40 season!