THE final week of group stage matches of the 2024 Petrofuel TCA Caravans T20 Cup tournament started with simultaneous encounters held in Dar es Salaam last Sunday, with all producing thrilling action.

Aurobindo AKSC came up against Generics Gymkhana at Leaders Club ground whereas Delaware Upanga SC squared off against Azania Bank Pak Stars at Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club (DGC) venue.

The star-studded Aurobindo AKSC had already secured their spot in the Super 4 stage. At the same time, Generics Gymkhana needed a win to stay in contention for qualification, depending on the other match results.

Having won the toss, Generics Gymkhana chose to bat first and posted 150/8 in 20 overs, with Harsheel Shah top-scoring with 31 runs off 29 balls.

Fellow batsmen Mohamed Yunus (25 runs), Pankaj Vats (20 runs), and Nikila Nishanga (21 runs) also put on a convincing performance in the innings.

Promising cricketer Kartik Syal (2-25 in three overs) and experienced spinner, Riziki Kiseto (2-25 in four overs), had an impressive bowling outing for Aurobindo AKSC.

In response, Aurobindo AKSC, boasting depth in batting, comfortably chased down the target of 151 runs, losing two wickets so far in 16.3 overs.

Experienced opener Abhik Patwa's explosive 63 runs off 30 deliveries, consisting of nine boundaries and three sixes, set the tone for the successful chase.

Ajith Augastin (33 runs not out off 30 deliveries) and Vishal Patel (42 not out off 32) ensured victory for Aurobindo AKSC. Generics Gymkhana's defeat for that matter confirmed their exit from the tournament.

Patwa's rapid innings earned him the Ras Logistics Man of the Match award, while Patel's composed knocks were recognized as the Medinova Moment of the Match.

Meanwhile, Delaware Upanga SC faced Azania Bank Pak Stars in a must-win match. Not only did Delaware Upanga SC require a win but also they had to ensure that the margin of victory would be substantial to ensure that their net run rate would be sufficient to garner qualification for the Super 4 stage regardless of the outcome elsewhere.

Delaware Upanga SC, after winning the toss, elected to bowl and restricted Azania Bank Pak Stars to just 68 runs all out in 16.5 overs.

Sanjay Bom and Paford Anacet starred with three wickets apiece for Delaware Upanga SC as Azania Bank Pak Stars collapsed to 19/7 at one stage. Dharminder Singh's 44 runs off 45 deliveries provided some resistance for the batting side.

Delaware Upanga SC, in response, chased down the 69-run target in just six overs with Maker Muskesh's unbeaten 45 runs off 21 deliveries leading the charge.

Despite coming out with the emphatic win, Delaware Upanga SC's hopes hinged on the outcome of the match between Balakrishna Foundation Aces and Park Mobile Lions to see who would qualify for the Super 4 stage of the Petrofuel TCA Caravans T20 Cup showpiece.     

Bom was awarded the Ras Logistics Man of the Match for his exceptional bowling figures, which included two maidens, conceding a mere six runs and taking three wickets along with two catches.

Dharminder Singh's crucial innings earned him the Medinova Moment of the Match award for impacting the match and improving Delaware Upanga SC's qualification prospects.

The tournament is an annual T20 cricket competition organized by Caravans Cricket Club.

Alliance Caravans, Aurobindo AKSC, Delaware Upanga SC, Balakrishna Foundation Aces, Flashnet Strikers, Park Mobile Lions, Harab Motors Pak Stars, Econo Lodge Lions, Azania Bank Pak Stars, and Generics Gymkhana are taking part in the showdown.

Petrofuel is the title sponsor of this tournament. Other sponsors of this tournament include Alliance Insurance, Ras Logsitics, Medinova Healthcare, Automark, Pepsi, Ashton Media, MFI-Vertiv, Jiuzhou, SmarDTV, Intek-Korea, ASAS, Colourflex, and Delaware.

Aurobindo, Balakrishna Foundation, Park Mobile, Harab Motors, Flashnet, Generics, Econo Lodge, Azania Bank, Horizon Teleports, TATA, The Works, MO Bajaj, and Seacliff Hotel are also the showpiece's sponsors.