Hari Om Titans' captain Niraj Patel hailed his side’s spirited performance after they clinched the SCLPS Laxmanbhai Construction Premier League Season Two title, beating Mahadev Strikers by eight wickets in the Friday night tournament at Shree Cutchi Leva Patel grounds.
The Titans restricted the Mahadev Strikers to 76 all out in 18.3 overs before chasing the target with ease, needing just 17 runs in 20 overs at the halfway mark.
Titans went ahead to restrict Mahadev Strikers to 76 all out in 20 overs before racing to 77 for two in just six overs to seal an eight-wicket victory.
“The process throughout the tournament has been great. Everyone has done well…the boys played well,” Patel said, crediting Samar Gajjar’s batting for steadying their chase.
Patel stressed that the journey does not end with the title, pointing out the need for consistent preparation ahead of the next competitions.
“Training will be the first process stage for playing matches. Throughout the year, we will be preparing for the next tournaments. The senior players are guiding youngsters well, and that worked,” he added.
Kenya men’s national team coach and Hari Om Titans tactician Lamech Ngoche lauded the tournament for unearthing new talent and giving players exposure under floodlights.
“This was a good tournament. It has made us spot new talent and bring them to the next level. Most players have not been exposed to playing at this level,” Ngoche said.
He noted that each team had two professionals and one national team player among community-based cricketers.
“The professionals have been guiding and advising them, and we hope they have picked a few elements that will help them going forward. For now, we embark on the national league,” Ngoche said, revealing that many players struggled initially with judging the ball under the lights.
“Most had not played under floodlights, so judging the direction of the ball became difficult. So, when I gathered them, I started throwing the ball to them, and they had a good touch-up. They gave me an easy time as they followed my instructions to the letter.”
East FM chairperson Piyush Shah praised the initiative, saying, “A dream come true for Kenya to play at night. Kenyans, let’s emulate the cricket we’ve seen. The current team stars have a lot to offer.”
The matches were broadcast live with East FM breakfast presenter, Jamil Alibhai, providing commentary throughout the tournament.
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