Tummala’s Hat-Trick Powers Colts to Seven-Wicket Win Over Friends
The Colts delivered a commanding performance in the Southern California Cricket Association 2025 T20 Division 2 Tournament, defeating Friends by seven wickets on August 10 at the Southern California grounds. Friends, who won the toss and chose to bat, were dismantled for just 95 runs in 16.4 overs, with Player of the Match Narendra Tummala spearheading the attack with a remarkable four-wicket burst, including a hat-trick.
Friends’ innings started poorly when Mohammad Ahad fell to Vishwaksena Reddy for just two runs. A brief counterattack came from Shaikh Razi, who struck two fours and a six in his quick 17 off 11 balls, but his dismissal at 26/2 triggered a collapse. The middle order struggled against disciplined bowling, with Muhammad Faizan (6) and Uzair Khan (2) falling cheaply. The dangerous Bilal Khan lasted only two balls before being sent back without scoring.
Only Mohammad Ariz stood firm, anchoring the innings with a patient 37 from 35 balls, which included two boundaries and a six. However, wickets tumbled around him as Vishwaksena Reddy ripped through the top order with 4/18 in his three overs. Ravinder Pasupuleti provided excellent support with 2/13, while Tummala’s late spell of 4/4 in just 1.4 overs sealed the innings in dramatic fashion. Friends were all out for 95, a total bolstered only by 15 extras.
Chasing 96, the Colts suffered an early setback when Sujit Dhareshwar was caught and bowled by Ahmed Razi for four. Shortly after, Mohammad Ahad struck again, trapping opener Sathya Sampathkumar lbw for eight. At 22/2, Friends sensed an opening, but Om Medandrao and Salim Masumdar steadied the chase.
Medandrao played a composed knock of 37 from 39 deliveries, finding the gaps with four boundaries. Salim provided crucial support with an unbeaten 26 off 32 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking with smart singles and twos. Once Medandrao was bowled by Ahad at 70/3, the match was all but sealed. Santosh Pochinapeddhi’s 16 not out from 17 balls ensured there were no late surprises, as the Colts reached the target in 17.5 overs.
Friends’ bowlers worked hard to defend the low total, with Mohammad Ahad (2/15) and Ahmed Razi (1/22) the standouts, but the lack of runs on the board made their task nearly impossible.
This victory not only highlighted the Colts’ strong bowling unit—led by Tummala’s match-winning heroics and Reddy’s incisive opening spell—but also their ability to chase with composure. With this win, the Colts continue to build momentum in the tournament, while Friends will need to regroup quickly to revive their campaign.
