Caravans squeeze past Lions in cricket elite league clash
DAR ES SALAAM: CARAVANS secured a narrow three-wicket victory over Lions in a gripping encounter at the TCA DC Super League 50-over tournament at the UDSM Oval in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.
Chasing a modest total of 147, Caravans overcame early setbacks to maintain their unbeaten streak in Group B.
Caravans won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that would prove to be crucial in the final outcome.
Lions, however, struggled to get going, managing to post a total of 146 all out in 47.5 overs.
Karim Kiseto top-scored with 32 runs off 57 balls, while Mohamad Hamza contributed 26 off 38.
Umar Shaikh (19) and Goodluck Andrew (13) also chipped in, but Lions could not build substantial partnerships, leaving their team with a challenging target.
Caravans’ bowlers put in a disciplined effort, with Mohamad Jawed leading the charge with 4 wickets for 21 runs in 5 overs. Augustine Mwamele was also instrumental, picking up 2 wickets for 16 runs in his 5.0-over spell. Umar Shaikh added a further wicket to his earlier batting contribution, finishing with figures of 1 for 17 in 4 overs.
In response, Caravans started cautiously, with openers Jitin Singh and Amal Rajeevan anchoring the chase. Singh’s composed 48 off 68 balls kept the innings on track, while Rajeevan added a quick-fire 21 off 21 balls.
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However, the middle order faced some pressure as wickets fell at regular intervals. Ajith Augastin (16), Akhil Anil (14), and Issa Safari (13) all made starts but could not push the team over the line on their own.
With the match hanging in the balance, Caravans ultimately crossed the target in 30 overs, finishing with a score of 148/7. Despite the middle-order wobble, their quick start and solid contributions up top ensured that they remained ahead of the game.
Lions’ bowlers fought hard, with Akhil Anil being the standout performer, claiming 4 wickets for 10 runs in his 4.0-over spell. Kassimu Nassoro, Yalinde Maurice, Johnson Nyambo, and Justin Thomas each claimed a wicket, but it was not enough to stop Caravans from reaching the required total.
Following the win, Caravans now lead Group B with four points from two matches. Their previous encounter, a dominant 215-run victory over Strikers, had set the tone for their strong campaign. Aces trail in second place with two points, having won one match. Lions, Strikers, and Gymkhana remain without a point after two matches.
