Iqbal Patel blasts 76 as Scintilla slay Lions

Emdad Rahman

Debutant Iqbal Patel gave a batting masterclass as Scintilla produced a dogged display to beat Hamilton Lions at Fairlop Waters. The 52 year old rolled back the years and in the blazing heat delivered an outstanding knock to finish the game on 76 not out.

Hamilton had batted first, reaching 173 all out from 41 overs. Corey Richmond was top scorer on 68 with Fazal Rahman adding 38. Firoz Dogha returned to first team action to take 3 wickets for 28 runs. Ashfaqur Rahman Nobel took 2 for 20 and Ishaq Shawn 1 for 13 from 9 overs.

After tea Nobel scored 29, Shawn 23 and Vice Captain Sajal Rahman scored a vital 21 to steady nerves after Scintilla lost a few early wickets. It was left to the charismatic Firoz Dogha to seal the win with a mighty 6.

For the Lions, Jubayer took 4 wickets and Ajmal and Haris 1 each as Scintilla claimed another scalp.

“We were under pressure after conceding a few cheap wickets early on, but the boys steadied the ship,” said Scintilla skipper Ayaz Karim. “Iqbal Patel was different class and he was supported very well by our batsmen.”

Man of the match Iqbal Patel added, “I’ve enjoyed playing for Scintilla today and thank my team mates for supporting my stand at the crease. The heat was a big factor but in the end we achieved a memorable win. Well done everybody.”

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