NEO end thrilling season as Essex League champions

Emdad Rahman

NEO CC’s magnificent season ended with a clinical win against Aztecs CC by four wickets and were duly crowned Kings of the Essex County Cricket League Division 2 at Clayhall Park Ground.

Neo CC were invited to field first by Aztecs CC who won the toss. Amandeep and Vrishin provided a steady start with the bat for Aztecs CC. The NEO strike duo Shaha Riadh and Firoz Dogha utilised the new ball economically but missed out on close chances to get a wicket before Ariful Islam provided the breakthrough for Neo CC.

Eklabya (33) and skipper Mayank Sharma (50) took control of the innings and were leading Aztecs to a big score, but Younus Shamim broke the partnership to bring Neo CC back into the game. Firoz was the most economical among the seven bowlers used and conceded only 25 runs from his nine overs quota. Arif claimed three wickets. Firoz, Basit, Ayaz and Shamim took one wicket each. Aztecs CC managed to score a total of 208/7 from 45 overs.

As this was league decider game, Neo CC were under pressure batting on a rough pitch under the blazing sun. Zisan Abedin and Rokan Arafat Mashuk reached a thrilling 93 opening stand to ensure Neo CC got off to a flying start in the first ten overs. When Zisan was dismissed on 51, Rokan (64) continued his brilliance with the bat alongside Fahad Sami (21). It was only a matter of time for Sajal Rahman (21), Younus Shamim, and Shahriar Zahid to take Neo CC safely home and secure the championship for the club.

Captain and Club Secretary Ayaz Karim said, “It was the first year for us in a Saturday competitive league and our boys are speechless after this wonderful cricket season. Our performance improved game by game as we were all chasing one dream – to reach number one in the league table. It has been an emotional journey for all of us and I would like to thank everyone who cheered us throughout the year.”

Score in Brief
Aztecs CC 209/7 from 45 overs
Mayank 50, Eklabya 33, Naveed 33

Neo CC 210/6 from 27 overs
Rokan 64, Zisan 51, Fahad 21, Sajal 20

Neo CC won by 4 wickets.

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