KCL Indoor Week 3

After a couple of weeks delay, the indoor tournament resumed with 4 sides featuring for their 3rd and 4th fixtures of the 2025 indoor season. The Challengers, Knights, Stars and Conquerors were all set to rumble!

Game 1: Courageous Challengers v Trustworthy Knights

The Challengers recently discovered a formula suiting them with the lower order doing the bulk of the damage with the captain Tahir Kang usually remaining unbeaten. Once again, this formula came to their avail once the top order had their turn but none from the top 5 could cement a score of above 15. Cashing in with the time available, Tahir (30*) and Rizwan (25*) both added a 61 run partnership to the end ensuring a reasonable total of 120-6 in their 8 overs. A target that could have been chased, the Knights found it difficult to get the momentum required, and only the returning Harris Usman displayed any kind of resistance with a score of 32*. Hardly anyone reached double figures besides him and the Knights fell 31 runs short of the final total. Notably, an excellent bowling effort by Faizanullah Khan who picked 3 wickets for 16 runs in his two overs to create the biggest impact for the Challengers with the ball.

Game 2: Radiant Stars v Merciful Conquerors

What seemed like a strong battle between the two sides showed the Stars mustering a reasonable total of 99 in their 8 overs, much due to the hard work of Wahaaj and Waseeq both reaching not out scores of 25. The Conquerors in response suffered the slight hiccup of Muddasser’s wicket, but then methodically worked their way to the total with 3 balls remaining in the innings.

Game 3: Courageous Challengers v Merciful Conquerors

Both victors of their first game locked horns in a hard fought match. The Challengers started well with Munaf and Rizwan both reaching retired not out scores, but 3 consecutive ducks in the middle order inflicted major damage to the Challengers who couldn’t capitalise on the start provided by their openers. Some resistance by Faizanullah and Khurram rescued the diff and helped drag the Challengers to a decent total of 113-7 in their 8 overs. Having not fired the way he may have liked in the previous match, Safwan was not in the mood to go home without having a say in the day. An emphatic 37* off 11 balls stood out whilst his side were clearly reeling in the run chase. Decent contributions by Sammar (15 off 8) and Usman (18 off 9) also helped the Conquerors clinch a thriller with 1 ball remaining!

Game 4: Radiant Stars v Trustworthy Knights

Both sides desperate for a win, the Stars got off to the perfect start as openers Farrukh and captain Salman both reached not out scores of 25*. A slight breakdown in the middle was soon recovered through excellent ball striking by Muneeb (25* off 11) and welcome contribution of 13 by Zeyan. Farrukh returned and also added some vital runs finishing 39* off 12 balls (a strike rate of 325!). Requiring a total of 118, the Knights were better this time starting off with Ali Raza quickly reaching the retired not out mark. However, with the fall of Harris and no substantial contributions from the middle and lower order, they once again limped short of the total and finished 25 runs short.

The Challengers and Conquerors will be satisfied with their weekend having finished with only 1 loss so far in their campaign and sitting at the top of the table. The Stars would be glad to have broken their defeated streak having overcome the Knights, who are now in a serious spot of bother without any win in their 4 matches. Still a lot to play for for all sides as the next weekend should give a clear indication of who looks in a good position to qualify for the semis, and who really needs to pull their socks up for their final 3 fixtures!