The CPL continues to excite the Cataluyna cricketing fraternity and several more of the Group Matches are now complete.
Recent games have included some upsets and some close encounters.
Girona Royals secured a four wicket win over Tarragona Gladiators thanks to a strong batting performance from Muhammad Iqbal who scored 55 in his teams victory. The Gladiators had set a target of 138 for 5 which was surpassed in the 18th over by the Royals.
Boom Boom Badalona continued their winning ways with a victory over Cataluyna Kings. Badalona posted 141 for 8 with Mustafa Dar hitting 54 and Ali Hassan contributing 34. In reply the Kings were skittled out for just 85 with Spanish international Zulqarnain Haider taking four for 13 in a blistering three over spell.
Kings came straight back into contention and showed their were major CPL contenders with an 102 run drubbing of Barcelona Qalanders. Batting first the Kings posted 154 for 7 and then bowled out the Qalanders for just 52.
However, the Kings once again showed their inconsistency when they were beaten by Lleida Lions in their next match. Lions scored 131 all out but the Kings mis-timed their run chase and fell five runs shy with three wickets still in hand.
Meanwhile Boom Boom Badalona are continuing their impressive form, and sealed another victory, this time at the expense of Tarragona Gladiators. Zulqarnain Haider was again in form, but this time with the bat, as he hit 62 in his teams total of 177 for 8. Gladiators tried valiantly to chase down the score but ended their innings finally on 140 for 7.
The Gladiators did get their revenge soon after however, as they won their next match against Lleida Lions. Batting first Tarragona accrued 174 for 6 with Ehsan Mehar top scoring with 79. They then went out into the field and bowled the Lions out for just 89 with Kulwant Thakur and Heera Lal taking two wickets each.
Next it was the Kings back in action and they silenced Boom Boom Badalona with a winning performance. Scoring 148 for 7 (Mudassar Ali 56) the Kings bowling attack went on the rampage in the Badalona innings and got all their batsmen out for just 83. Banaras Ali was the pick of the bowlers bagging three for 13.
Girona Royals then beat Lleida Lions. Batting first the Lions scored 107 for 7 with Illyias contributing 33. However, the Royals overtook the Lions total in the last over for the loss of just three wickets and Mohsin unbeaten on 47.
In the final two matches in the update there were two wins for Barcelona Qalanders against Girona Lions and Boom Boom Badalona. These two victories ensured they reached the final were they wil play one of the surprise packages of the tournament, Cataluyna Kings.
The final of this prestigious competition has been moved forward to the 16th December. Admission is free at the Montjuic Stadium.
