Falcons finally triumph after three years of semi-final heartbreak

AFTER reaching the semi-finals for three consecutive years, the Tongaat Falcons finally claimed victory in the Phoenix Super League Winter Tournament with a thrilling last-over finish against local favourites Alphas.

Meanwhile, Arslan Nazim dominated the tournament as player, batsman and bowler.It was a fight to the end at the tournament hosted by the Phoenix Cricket Club at the Northcroft cricket pitch on Saturday.

Hoping to take the cup after reaching the semi-finals three consecutive years in a row was the Tongaat Falcons.They played against the Phoenix based Alphas. Tongaat Falcons needed 12 runs in the last two overs to win the T20 format tournament.Alphas captain, Shedan Murugus, won the toss and decided to bat, ending their innings with 130 runs for seven wickets in their 20 overs.After a steady run rate, the Tongaat Falcons needed 12 runs to clinch victory in their last two overs.

With the pressure on them, Falcons batsmen at the crease, Omesh Ramnarain and Kevin Chitungo, scored nine runs in the 19th over between them. Ramnarain then smashed a four in the first ball of the 20th over, pinching victory from the local boys.

“This was our third year of reaching the semi-finals in the tournament. Finally winning was absolutely amazing. Celebrations continued throughout the weekend, with plans of an awards function and celebration party taking place soon. Our boys worked hard for this victory, and I am very proud of them,” said Falcons coach Darren Govender.

Looking back on the preparation for the tournament, Govender said: “Training was difficult for our boys since the Tongaat facilities were washed away during the 2022 floods.  Most of the players trained individually at other venues.

Therefore, our main focus was to learn to play as a team. This was made easier as the tournament progressed. Victory was so much sweeter, especially with the guidance of the team manager, Jared Barkley,” he added.

The triple threat during the three-month tournament was 30-year-old Nazim.Playing for Harees Cricket Club, Nazim was awarded the player, batsman and bowler of the tournament titles.His highest score in the tournament was 112 runs with 5 wickets against Spartans. He scored 476 runs in the tournament, averaging 48 runs per match, with a strike rate of 179 and claiming 24 wickets in total.

Nazim recalled nurturing a love for cricket as a young boy playing in the mountains of Kashmir. “Now as an adult, I continue to enjoy playing cricket in Phoenix. It feels awesome to give one’s 100 percent on the ground and receive these awards. All thanks must be given to my captain, Naeem Ahmed, my Harees team mates and the management of the tournament. Oh, and I hit the most sixes of the  tournament too, 20 in all,” laughed Nazim.

Speaking on the success of the tournament, Phoenix Cricket Council chairperson, Bradley Chetty said: “It was a very good tournament.

“We were happy to see the competition from the start. We had an excellent set of players with good performance all around. We had a tight finish and the best teams won at the end.

“The finals were tight and tough.

“It seemed a bit emotional towards the end, but I think both teams played their hearts out.”

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