Red hot Scintilla form continues to rise

Emdad Rahman

Syed Iftekhar was again the stand-out performer as Scintilla CC Second XI beat Aztecs in the latest round of Essex County Cricket League games. On a warm summer day at the Peter May sports ground, Scintilla CC won the toss and decided to bat first.

Another big total saw the home side reach 281/9 from 45 overs. Iftekhar followed on from his previous century to top score with 50, while Yasin Arafat struck 47. Scintilla wicket keeper Mohamed Khizir reached 45, and he was joined by Shafatul Kabir on 25 and Moin Arefin, 15.

A dogged Aztecs team were bowled out for 240, leaving Scintilla the winners by 41 runs. Man of the match Syed Iftekhar was the pick of the Scintilla bowlers, with figures of 40-4. Rifat Mahmud achieved 52-3, Shaha Riadh 45-1 and Moin Arefin 16-1.

Man of the Match Syed Iftekhar said: “I’m really enjoying my cricket at the moment. It’s all carefree and my excellent team mates have been very supportive. It’s good to savour these moments as there will be tough days too.”

Captain Shaha Riadh added: “The boys have been tremendous both on and off the pitch and our last two games have served a reminder of our abilities. We hope to continue this momentum and feel we can certainly perform at a higher level. Aztecs CC gave us a very hard game. They were tough opponents and I’m glad we don’t have to play them too many times a season.”

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•The Scintilla first team also played Aztecs seniors and lost their Premier Division game by 2 runs. Seniors captain Ayaz Karim said: “We bowled excellently in the field to restrict Aztecs to 137 all out. Unfortunately our batting form disappointed. Next week’s Premier Division game against Barking is now crucial.”