CRICKET – Bahrain Cricket Club (BCC) A were crowned champions of the Khalid Bin Hamad Cricket League 2025-Series One Division A.
They clinched the title after a resounding 41-run victory over NSB Lagoona in the final held at Busaiteen ground 20.
The triumph was built on the foundation of a magnificent 78-run knock by opener Shahbaz Badar and a clinical all-round bowling performance from the BCC A boys.
Batting first after winning the toss, BCC A were given an early scare when Imran Butt was dismissed for a duck in the very first over.
However, that was the only moment of joy until the half-way stage when BCC A were down with 64-4 in 8.5 overs for NSB Lagoona, as Badar took charge of the innings.
Displaying a blend of aggression and control, Badar anchored the innings with a 56-ball 78, which included seven boundaries and a six and played until the 20th over.
He found a brief but explosive partner in Usama Pervaiz (19 off 13 balls), but a middle-order wobble ensued, triggered by the excellent spin bowling of Naeem Abbas.
Abbas was the pick of the NSB Lagoona bowlers, claiming three crucial wickets for just 18 runs in his three overs, including those of Pervaiz, Sarfaraz Ali, and Fiaz Ahmed.
Just as momentum seemed to be shifting, Butt provided the late-order fireworks, smashing a quickfire 23 from just 16 deliveries to propel BCC A to a competitive total of 161 for seven from their 20 overs.
In response, NSB Lagoona’s chase never truly found its feet. Their innings was derailed from the outset by pacer Ali Dawood, who struck twice in his first over, removing the dangerous Asif Ali and later Muhammad Tariq Saleem.
Dawood finished with impressive figures of three for 26. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with Abdul Majid (1/25) and Naeem Gull (1/15) maintaining a tight leash on the run rate.
Only Bilal Badshah offered any significant resistance with a gritty 35 off 31 balls, but he lacked support from the other end.
The final nails in the coffin were hammered in by captain Anasim Khan, who fittingly closed out the match.
He grabbed the last three wickets in just 10 balls, without conceding a run, to wrap up the NSB Lagoona innings for 120 in the 18th over, finishing with remarkable figures of three for seven.
For his match-defining innings that set up the victory, Badar was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match.
The victory marked a fantastic start to the season for BCC A, who lifted the trophy in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF) advisory board chairman Mohammad Mansoor commented: “I extend our heartiest congratulations to our magnificent A Division team champions and the runners-up for their spectacular display at the finale.
“It’s good to see all-round competitive cricket and I was watching it live on the big screen with our young ones playing on the controls to capture the moments.
BCF president Sami Ali said that it’s not just about winning a trophy; it is a validation of the BCF’s grassroots player development programme and their commitment to fostering top-tier cricketing talent in Bahrain.
BCF is celebrating a special event for Women’s Cricket Week today.
The event is free and all are invited with their families to visit at Water Garden City, commencing at 4pm, for a live telecast of the ICC Women’s World Cup match between India and England.
&uuid=(email))