HCC XI lift Pakistan Independence Cup

MUSCAT: HCC XI were declared the winners when they defeated Bombay Blues in the final of the Republic of Pakistan 71st Independence Day Cup organized by the Pakistan Social Club, Muscat Sports Wing, which was held at the Al Hail cricket ground.
Winning the toss Bombay Blues and electing to bat first went on to post a total of 40 for the loss of 8 wickets.
In reply HCC XI made short work of the total by scoring 41 for 5, winning the match by seven wickets. Sujith was declared the man of the match, and even scooped the man of the tournament award for his all-round performance.
In the opening match of the day Punjab XI lost to Qurram Stars by six wickets.
Batting first Punjab XI scored 36 all out in the allotted 8 overs. Qurram Stars in reply chased down the target in six overs.
The second match saw Bombay Blues post a huge total of 85 for 8 in the stipulated 8 overs.
In reply Muscat Steel managed to score 60 for 7 losing the match to Bombay Blues by 25 runs.
The third encounter saw Asfanday XI take on HCC XI, with Asfanday XI piling up a big total of 92 for 8 in their allotted 8 overs.
With 93 runs to win HCC XI reached the target in 7.4 overs and 7 wicket in hand.
In the last match before the knockout stage Mustafa XI batting first scored 45 for 8 before AKCT XI 46 for 7 in seven over to win the match by 3 wickets.
In the first of the two semifinals Qurram Stars faced off against HCC XI with Qurram Stars winning the toss and electing to bat scored 48 for 9 in 8 overs In reply HCC XI knocked of the runs in 6 overs to win with 2 wickets in hand.
The second semis saw Bombay Blues taking on AKCT XI, batting first Bombay Blues scored 69 for 8 and in reply AKCT managed to only score 56 for 9 thus losing by 11 runs, setting up a mouth-watering final between HCC XI and Bombay Blues.
Shabbir, vice-chairman of Pakistan Social Club, who was the chief guest distributed the prizes to the winners and runner-up.
The tournament was attended by Dad Mohammed from OCC and other distinguished guests from PSC,
The event was sponsored by Instant Cash, United Catering, Express Money.