ALLIANCE Caravans hosted Harab Motors Pak Stars in a crucial 2024 Petrofuel TCA Caravans T20 Cup tournament match in Dar es Salaam early this week, with both teams needing a victory to make certain of progression to the Super 4 phase of the tournament.

While Alliance Caravans could still qualify for the knockouts with a narrow loss, Harab Motors Pak Stars needed a convincing win to improve their Net Run Rate (NRR) for a chance at qualification.

With this in mind, the Zafar Khan-led Harab Motors Pak Stars won the toss and opted to field first, limiting Alliance Caravans to 154 runs losing eight wickets in 20 overs.

Alliance Caravans had a shaky start to their turn with the bat, losing one of their reliable cricketers Amal Rajeevan early with so far two runs on the board.

However, Prakash Nair, their most consistent performer, steadied the innings with a solid knock of 43 runs off 27 deliveries.

Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, Adersh Dileep played a crucial late cameo for the batting outfit, scoring 35 runs from 20 balls and ensuring Alliance Caravans reached 154/8 by the end of their 20 overs.

All-rounder Kassim Nassor (19 runs, three fours) and Jerry Mathew (16 runs) were the other cricketers who made their presence count for Alliance Caravans having made their way back with two-digit figures.

Aqib Liaqat starred for Harab Motors Pak Stars when they fielded, claiming four wickets in his allotted four overs giving away 25 runs. 

In reply, Harab Motors Pak Stars knew they had to chase down the 155-run target before the 15th over to qualify for the Super 4 phase of the Petrofuel TCA Caravans Cup showdown.

However, Alliance Caravans' bowlers, led by experienced spinner Nassor, anticipated Harab Motors Pak Stars' aggressive approach and countered with a blend of pace and spin.

The batting outfit's opening batting pair of Ivan Ismail and skipper Khan fell early, with the former scoring just one run whereas the latter departed for three runs, adding pressure to the chase.

Mohammed Omary, deployed at number three, provided some hope with a quickfire 33 off 15 balls, but his efforts were hardly enough as Harab Motors Pak Stars lost wickets regularly.

Muhammad Bilawal contributed a late cameo of 29 runs off 18 balls. Still, the effort was hardly sufficient as they were bowled out for 133 runs, ending their hopes of qualification for the tournament knockouts.

Jerry Mathew (3-36) and Justin Thomas (2-35) were standout bowlers for Alliance Caravans, having wounded their respective four-over quotas with a gallant display. 

Adersh Dileep received the Ras Logistics Man of the Match prize for his all-around performance, scoring 35 runs and taking a crucial catch.

Thomas was recognized with the Medinova Moment of the Match honour for his pivotal contributions, including dismissing Ismail and Zamoyoni Ramadhani and effecting the run out of menacing skipper Khan.

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.