Rahman and Arafat on fire as Scintilla keep up the heat

Emdad Rahman

A COMPETITIVE GAME against stern opposition saw Scintilla Cricket Club defeat Roding Valley to keep pace at the top of the table.

The latest round of Essex County Cricket League Premier Division games saw Scintilla win the toss and opt to bat first. Akibur Rahman was the pick of the front order as he struck a crucial 77 to propel Scintilla to victory.

He was joined by the talismanic Yesin Arafat on 60, with mini-master Minhaz Rahaman (25), Moin Arefin (20), Walid Rahman (20). All three were bowled by Anshul Bhatia.

After tea, openers Zubair Bhatti and Nozmul Hussain were despatched rapidly by Morshadur Rahman. Sarfraz Ahmed struck 72 before being bowled by Walid Ahmed, who also claimed the scalp of Sunny Shah. Ziaul Haque bowled Amir Khan for six runs.

Jahangir Qureshi and Ali Attique remained not out on 39 and 31 as Scintilla ran out winners by 72 runs after 45 overs.

Club captain Ahmed Choudhury commented, “Playing 45 overs is unprecedented stuff, and the fact we are doing it consistently is the determining factor in our good form. Consistency and discipline are hugely important for any teams harbouring ambitions for success.”

•On Sunday Scintilla lost to Old Brentwood by two wickets in the Essex Sunday League.

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