By Donovan Matthews
Charlotte United Cricket Club (CUCC) booked a place in the semi-finals of the Carolina Cricket League (CCL) 2018 T20 tournament with exciting wins in two high-scoring matches over the weekend at their new home ground, the Robert L. Smith Park in Charlotte.
On Saturday, the home team chased down the formidable 188 for nine posted by High Point Cricket Club (HPCC) – winning by three wickets, while on Sunday they staved off a strong challenge by defending champions PACC to win by the narrow margin of three runs. Final scores: On Saturday, HPCC posted 188 for nine in 20 overs to which CUCC replied with 191 for seven in 18.4 overs. On Sunday, CUCC amassed 203 for six in 20 while PACC ended on 199 for 8.
Awais Khan was named man-of-the-match for his amazing 68 runs and 2 wickets.
Man-of-the-Match in Sunday’s quarter-final Awais Khan led the way for CUCC after they won the toss and choose to bat in overcast conditions. The opener hit seven fours and four sixes in a 50-ball 69, and was well supported by Shibraz Sheik whose 38 came from 25 deliveries and included three fours and two sixes. The pair featured in a third wicket partnership of 73 before some lusty blows from skipper Naqash Choudhery and Walton Charles propelled CUCC past the 200 mark. Chaudhry struck two sixes and a four in a 10-ball 21 while Charles’ 31 came off 14 balls and included three fours and two massive sixes.
When PACC replied it was obvious CUCC had a fight on their hands, as after Wasim Ahmed was dropped at point before scoring he proceeded on a clinical display of batsmanship that saw 76 runs coming in the first six overs. He hit 56 from 25 balls with seven fours and four sixes until a fine running catch by Choudhery on the cover boundary, off Charles’ bowling ended his innings. CUCC then clawed their way back into the game with three more quick wickets at 76, 96 and 111, and economical bowling by off-spinners Choudhery and Qaisar Mehmood who conceded 30 and 23 runs from their respective four overs. In the end despite Mohammad Nasir’s unbeaten 40 PACC were left with eight to get off the final delivery; an impossible feat. For CUCC Khan, Choudhery and Mehmood each claimed two wickets, while there was one apiece for Charles and Sheik.
In Saturday’s game Choudhery struck seven fours and six sixes in a topscore of 84 from 43 balls as CUCC overhauled their target with six deliveries to spare. Mehmood also contributed 26 from 17 balls in a fifth wicket stand of 77 with his captain after CUCC had slumped to 68 for four. Khan earlier hit 21 at the top of the order before Charles and Huzoor Azam saw their team home with 13 not out each.
Earlier HPCC were spearheaded by opener Ghias Rehman who made 72, while Ehtesham Arshad made 30 and Nasir Khan 24. Mehmood and Khan had three wickets each for CUCC, while Zeeshan Rashid claimed two and Charles one.