Three weeks following the launch of the lower division, the spotlight now centers on the Club Cricket Committee Premier League, which represents the pinnacle of Nigeria’s cricket structure. The league began last weekend, featuring highly competitive matches across the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Oval and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Cricket Oval.
At the TBS Oval, Rising Stars, the reigning champions, successfully initiated their title defense. They clinched a 31-run victory over the MRI Warriors. Vishal Sharma delivered an outstanding Player of the Match performance for the victors, anchoring their innings with 56 runs scored from 41 balls, a knock that included eight boundaries and one maximum. Unfortunately, a second Premier League contest at this venue, between Super Eagles Cricket Club and Island Titans Cricket Club, was called off due to a rain delay.
The UNILAG Oval witnessed the most dominant result of the opening weekend. Foundation Cricket Club extended a harsh welcome to the newly-promoted Rocks Cricket Club of Abeokuta in the top flight, delivering a commanding 109-run thrashing.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Foundation Cricket Club’s batsmen established a robust foundation, scoring aggressively with big hits and boundaries. David Ankrah, a recent addition to the ‘Yellow Greens’ national team, led the charge, smashing 86 runs off just 29 balls, which featured seven fours and eight sixes. Contributions from Bright Nyong (55 runs from 27 balls) and Elijah Saturday (50 runs from 38 balls) propelled the team’s total to 223 for the loss of four wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Faced with a formidable target, Rocks CC’s chase struggled to gain traction. Their innings began tentatively, losing key early wickets and failing to build momentum. Despite some modest individual efforts, Foundation’s excellent bowling attack dismantled their batting order, restricting their total to 114 for five in 20 overs.
The second game held at the UNILAG Oval concluded with a nail-biting finish, as Ibeju Lekki Cricket Club narrowly suffered a one-wicket defeat against Federal Government College Warri.
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