CMCC Blues defeated Lanna Thais by four wickets as CMCC and their guests enjoyed a special day at Gymkhana Club.
CMCC had asked to play a combined Lanna and Lamphun team as the on-field part of their 25th Anniversary so Lanna Thais, who had famously beaten CMCC to the league title on net-run rate a few years ago, were recreated for this special occasion. CMCC gained their revenge with a narrow victory but both teams and a large gathering of supporters had a highly enjoyable day with some delicious food provided along with an end of match presentation.
Lanna Thais won the toss and chose to bat first but the orange balls used seemed to give the bowlers more of a chance than in previous matches. Luke Stokes looked to be ready to continue his fine run of scores as he hit four boundaries against the new ball but he was lbw for 18 at the end of the fifth over with the total on 20.
Richard Cowles and Cher both batted steadily but could not break free with the seam bowlers exerting good pressure. Cowles was out for 17 from 24 balls with three fours but Cher battled on to 23 from 40 balls with just one boundary.
Jon Scales was able to bat more freely first in partnership with Cher then with Brian Quinton and he retired on reaching his fifty from 47 balls with seven fours and the only six of the innings. Lanna Thais were restricted to 168 for 8 in 30 overs after a fine bowling performance from CMCC.
The new ball gave the Lanna Thais bowlers a chance and Elliot Lodge and Krit both took wickets but Insha hit 3 fours and a six in a quickfire 25 from 21 balls before being third out in the eighth over. Ismail was at the crease and looked set to play a big innings but he needed support as Sumon was out for a duck off 11 balls. CMCC were 69 for 4 in the 11th over and the match was evenly poised.
It was Firdous who was able to help Ismail add 74 for the fifth wicket as he contributed a valuable 28 but although Ismail had reached yet another fifty, Waqas was out first ball as Lodge took two wickets in successive balls as leave CMCC on 143 for 6.
Burhan made an unbeaten 16 but it was Ismail who guided CMCC to victory with his 65* from 57 balls with 9 fours and a six as he demonstrated once more the batting prowess he had shown at Gymkhana for the last 20 years.
It was an enjoyable occasion with Lanna Thais taking to the field once more but CMCC had won their Anniversary match by four wickets with 3.1 overs to spare.