CBI trounce NAS in final to win LOM VI title

Dubai - Imran, Vriitya, Faizan and Zahidullah shine for winners

Commercial Bank International stamped their authority in the sixth edition the League of Mammoths cricket tournament after comprehensively beating Nad Al Sheba by 31 runs in the final at the Sevens ground on Wednesday.

The triple round-robin league was held under the auspices of the Dubai Cricket Council.

CBI won the toss and with prolific run getter Vriitya Aravind in their side the bankers had no hesitation in taking first strike.

Rajeev Patil and Imran Shaikh opened with the latter moving into top gear. During their 35-run partnership, Rajeev's contribution was only nine before he departed.

Then the prodigious Vriitya joined Imran and together they stitched 63 runs to steer their team to a comfortable position.

Vriitya played second foil to Imran and during his stay at the wicket managed a sedate 29 runs from 35 balls which came from two fours.

Sheldon D'Cruz was responsible for run-machine Vriitya's short innings and in fact also sent Mohammad Azam (8) back quickly.

Shajil Balan gave Imran company and they were looking good for a big partnership until Player of the Tournament Shajil's brisk 28 from12 balls which included a six and three fours was cut short due to a run-out.

Sheldon pegged CBI back again by removing Harikrishnan (2) but Man of the Match Imran's 62 from 35 balls (2x6, 8x4) and contributions from Faizan Khan (13 not out) and Mukul Raj (11) in the slog overs took CBI to a healthy total of 189 for 9 from their 25 overs.

Sheldon was impressive for NAS with five wickets.

NAS had contributions from Nikhil Srinivasan (34) and Sujit Salian (23) but Faizan Khan (3-28) and Zahidullah (2-29) bowled well to keep NAS quiet and restrict them to 158 for 9.

Jumeirah Mammoths failed to make the final but they had two players winning awards. Fardan Khalid won the Best Batsman and Shiva Pagarani the Best Bowler awards.

Brief scores (final): CBI beat NAS by 31 runs
CBI 189 for 9 in 25 overs (Imran Shaikh 62, Vriitya Aravind 29, Shajil Balan 28; Sheldon D'Cruz 5-23) NAS 158 for 9 in 25 overs (Nikhil Srinivasan 34, Sujit Salian 23; Faizan Khan 3-28, Zahidullah 2-29).
Other winners
Man of the Final: Imran Shaikh of Commercial Bank International.
Best Batsman: Fardan Khalid of Jumeirah Mammoths (7 matches, 267 runs).
Best Bowler: Shiva G Pagarani of Jumeirah Mammoths (9 matches, 12 wickets).
Player of the Tournament: Shajil Balan of Commerical Bank International (9 matches, 231 runs and 15 wickets)