Dromedary CC clinch Camel Trophy

MUSCAT: To add joy to the festive season, Dromedary Cricket Club celebrated victory in the annual cricket fixture for Camel Trophy against the Chairman’s XI at the Oman Cricket Academy ground recently.

In an entertaining 25-over-a-side match, Dromedary CC defeated Chairman’s XI by eight wickets.

Organised by Oman Cricket, the Camel Trophy is played between Dromedary CC, a team of British expatriates in Oman, and OC’s Chairman’s XI since 2018.

Put to bat first, Chairman’s XI, led by Alkesh Joshi, were restricted to 139 for five. Parviz Abdul Qadir al Balushi top-scored with 19 before retiring out while Syed Aamir Ali and Hemal Mehta scored 18 runs each.

Five of the seven bowlers picked up a wicket each. Dromedary CC opening batters – Crossy and Goose – shared an explosive opening stand of 47 runs in three overs. Goose had to retire first, scoring 31 in just eight deliveries that included three sixes and three boundaries.

Crossy retired for 30 and Luke’s unbeaten 29 sealed the win in just 15 overs as they reached 140 for 2. Alkesh Joshi and Zeeshan Siddiqui picked up a wicket each. As it is an exhibition game, batters are forced to retire out after reaching 30 runs or playing out 25 balls.

Later, Dromedary skipper James Lansdell said: “It was indeed our pleasure to come and play at the lovely turf of the Oman Cricket Academy Ground. Oman Cricket has always been cordial hosts and we enjoy playing some quality cricket with the stalwarts of the game. We are looking forward to have a fixture in February to retain the coveted Camel Trophy.”

Chairman’s XI captain Alkesh Joshi said: “I am honoured to captain Chairman’s XI against the Dromedary Cricket Club. It was a good game and we thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and camaraderie between both sides in the spirit of the game.”

Brief scores: Chairman’s XI: 139/5 in 25 overs (Parviz Abdul Qadir 19*, Hemal Mehta 18, Syed Aamir Ali 18; William 1/14, Luke 1/29, Bainers 1/26, Goose 1/22, Gray 1/19) lost to Dromedary CC: 140/2 in 15 overs (Goose 31*, Crossy 30*, Luke 29*; Alkesh Joshi 1/22, Zeeshan Siddiqui 1/10).