NSC Cricket Wins National Championship

On 14 December the Nomads Cricket 1st XI recorded a convincing 102 run win over the Philippine Cricketers Club (PCC) to win the 5th edition of the Philippine Cricket League and be crowned national champions for the 3rd time.

In what has been the most successful season on record for Philippine Cricket with the national league now consisting of 12 teams in two divisions, the Nomads triumph was not straightforward. In the qualifying rounds the team suffered an early defeat by Baguio CC. However ably lead by veteran Captain Faisal Khan the team quickly got over this setback and didn’t lose another game.

In the playoffs by virtue of finishing top of the league Nomads were seeded directly through to the semi final where the team recorded a last over victory over Bulacan CC thanks to some sensible batting by Sanjay Sujannani  and Vaughan Baxter.

Play offs - 1st Round

Manila Indians beat Pak Tigers

PCC beat Baguio CC

Bulacan beat Desh Mesh

Semi Finals

Nomads beat Bulacan

PCC beat Manila Indians

In the final the team found themselves playing the unfancied Philippine Cricketers Club who had belied their poor qualifying form and recorded convincing victories over the higher ranked Baguio CC and the Manila Indians CC in the play offs.

After being put into bat the Nomads very quickly started to dominate proceedings with Henry Ahuja, Tariq Ali, Vaughan Baxter and Faisal Khan all making significant contributions. The PCC cause was helped by some misdirected bowling and a large number of wides. After 20 overs Nomads had reached the commanding score of 204 runs.

In reply the PCC made a promising start at one point reaching 78 for 2 after 8 overs. However the regular loss of wickets and some disciplined saw them being bowled out for 102 runs.

A great result in what has been universally recognised as the best ever edition of the Philippine Cricket League. Cricket continues to grow here in the Philippines . If you want to get involved email: committee@cricket.com.ph