PCCT Taiwan Premier League 2020-21
Championship game: PCCT vs FCC
The much-awaited championship game was played between the two top teams of the tournament and consistent performers over the last year: PCCT and FCC.
PCCT after winning the first qualifier had got a direct ticket to the finals. FCC had to play one more game in the morning to reach the finals. Due to first game starting and ending late, there was only 20 minute break between the finish of second qualifier to the start of Finals.
PCCT won the toss and put FCC to field as FCC players were already tired from fielding in second innings of second qualifier. Asif and Amjad started cautiously for the first few overs and Asif got out in fourth over to Jyotish and brilliant catch by Rahul at short cover. FCC bowlers continued tight line and length and fielders supported by excellent fielding and did not let PCCT batsman to accelerate. Ninad came one down hit a couple lusty blows to Sadique while Amjad was being kept in check. Amjad got caught at long off trying to up the scoring rate at bowling of Siddhesh in eight over. Arun picked up Usman on the next ball giving a easy catch to Rahul. Ninad perished in the next over off the bowling of Rahul getting caught by Pintu at long off. At the half way mark the score was 61/4. Mujahid and Shiv were at the crease now and trying to build a partnership to post a fighting total. They started picking up singles and doubles and then Shiv upped the runrate by hitting few over midwicket. The partnership was broken in the second last over bowled by Arun and Shiv getting caught by Himanshu at short fine leg. Arun cleaned up Mujahid next ball. PCCT finished their 20 overs at 138/6. Arun was the pick of the bowlers picking up 3/27 and Jyotish, Rahul and Siddhesh picked up one wicket each.
Rahul and Omesh opened the batting for FCC but Rahul fell in second over to Meer and caught brilliantly on second slip by Amjad. Arun determined to take FCC over the line, promoted himself to one down and built a great partnership with Omesh. Both the batsmen were running with intent and also putting all the bad balls away. Omesh got out in tenth over after adding 63 in 46 balls for second wicket for a well-made 34 off 28 balls which included 7 gorgeous boundaries. Anthony joined Arun but got out to Amjad after run a ball 13, trying to hit a six but completely missing the line and getting bowled. Pintu came in next and by this time Arun had started finding his range and both put on 26 before Pintu got out with the score at 113/4. Nitish came in next and Arun fell right after completing his 50. FCC score was 131/5 in 17.2 overs. This should have still been an easy chase as FCC needed 8 runs in 16 balls. Himanshu came in next and things got interesting. Usman bowled a good sixth stump line in the 19th over and only 2 runs came off it. FCC still needed 3 runs in last over. Nitish on strike for the first ball of last over being bowled by Danish, middled it but straight to the hands of short mid-wicket and got out for run a ball 15. Jyotish came in next and had a play and miss first ball but was able to put bat to ball on second ball and Himanshu completed a much needed risky single. Danish removed Himanshu next ball by hitting the base of the stumps. FCC still needed 2 runs to win in 2 balls. Siddhesh asked the captain to send him next and looked determined to finish the game. Siddhesh lifted the full ball from Danish above the infield towards midwicket and ran two runs to complete an amazing victory for FCC.
FCC had won the Final with 1 ball to spare and 3 wickets in hand. This was a fitting final to the great tournament that was organized by PCCT and FCC the deserving winners.
Arun was adjudged the Player of the finals for his all-round performance. He also won the best batsman of finals, best batsman of tournament and was the joint top wicket taker with Jyotish.
FCC had won the championship by a great team effort and by great performances by multiple players and led from the front by captain Arun.
Three of the FCC batsman (Arun, Anthony & Omesh) finished in top 5 run scorers, top two bowlers were from FCC (Jyotish & Arun).
Arun and Jyotish deservedly got the Purple and Orange caps which were awarded to the top batsman and top bowler of the tournament.
FCC has won two straight Championships (PCCT Taiwan Premier League 2020-21 and CTC 2020) and finished as runners-up for two previous tournaments (Taipei T10 and JanHong 2020).
Retired FCC player Prem was felicitated by the tournament organizers for his contributions to Taiwan cricket by a Plaque. This tournament has highlighted a great need for cricket teams in Taiwan to create a proper league so there could be more organized cricket and the burden is not left on one team. PCCT has really shown how the league could be successful by their true dedication and efforts. 1,2,3……GO FCC!!! Team to beat in Taiwan Cricket!!!!
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