Dugout CC kept their nerves against favourites Indorwa CC to clinch their maiden Sulfo Cricket League title in a thrilling final match played on Sunday at Kicukiro Oval.
Dugout CC kept their nerves against favourites Indorwa CC to clinch their maiden Sulfo Cricket League title in a thrilling final match played on Sunday at Kicukiro Oval. Dugout won the toss and chose to bat first. Their opening batsmen Eric Dusingizimana and Clinton Rubagumya had an excellent partnership of 90 runs in the first 20 overs. The Dugout middle order batsmen, however, could not carry on the momentum set by the opening pair as they were bowled out for 186 runs in 38 overs thanks to tight bowling by Indorwa fast bowler Vinit Chauhan, who took four wickets. Indorwa’s chase was made difficult by losing their opening batsman due to poor shot selection; however, all-rounder Eric Dusabemungu Hirwa tried to change the course of the match with a fighting half century (54 runs).The national team star played sweetly-timed shots that included three sixes, leaving the match evenly poised for the time he was on the crease until the last wicket. Dugout Cricket Club captain Derrick Bayingana credited their maiden Sulfo League title to good team spirit as well as the efforts of their bowlers in the final. This was the 10th edition of Sulfo league. His Indorwa counterpart, Mihir Solanki, congratulated the winning team. He, however blamed poor bowling as the cause for their defeat. Indorwa gave away 62 extra runs.Indorwa’s Lalith Panjwani was voted Man of the Series for his consistent performance throughout the season. In total, he scored 161 runs and took four wickets. Eric Dusigizimana of Dugout Cricket Club was the league’s top Batsman with a total of223 runs the whole campaign and his team mate Fredy Ndayisenga was the Best Bowler. He took 19 wickets. Praveen Kumar Menon of Challengers Cricket Club was given a special award for the highest individual score of 148 runs in one match.The promising player award was given to Clinton Rubagumya, while Bosco Tuyizere won the league’s Best Fielder award. Sulfo Rwanda Industries has been sponsoring the national league for the past ten years and their Marketing Manager, Atma Prakash, who was the guest of honour, promised more support to Rwandan cricket in the coming years.