PIRATES MAKE A WINNING PREMIERSHIP START

Pinatar Pirates made a winning start to their ECCL Premiership campaign by resoundingly beating another newcomer to the league Valencia Stallions.

Batting first the Pirates made a mammoth 397 for 3 that included a fantastic 124 not out for Ravi Panchal and 102 for Munib Ranjah.

Not to be outdone Elliot Banks came in at the end of the innings and smashed 56 off just 17 balls to give the visitors maximum batting points.

The Stallions, who will play their home games at La Manga, never looked like getting close to the Pinatar score and they were finally bowled out for just 108.

Talat Ali was the pick of the Pirate bowlers, with the Spanish National team player taking three wickets for just 14 runs in a nine over spell that included four maidens.

Pinatar take 20 points from the game whilst Valencia Stallions register two points. 

Pinatar Pirates Report

Next up for Pinatar was a premier league game in La Manga, playing the home side Valencia Stallions.
Being a premier league game the Pirates were able to field their National academy team players, and they did not disappoint.

Winning the toss Pinatar CC decided to bat first and young National squad player, Ravi Panchal took the opportunity to demonstrate his improving ability by batting through the 41 overs and remaining unbeaten on 124.

Munib Ranjah was not going to let the youngster have all the headlines, the senior academy player scored a superb 102 and when he was finally out the Stallions hoped that the runs would dry up a little, but no such luck as Elliot Banks who had been waiting for hours to go into bat didn’t waste any time on the pitch smashing 56 of 17 balls, so played a T20 innings while Ravi was playing a test match!!!  Pirates scored a massive 397 of their 41 overs setting the boys from Valencia a record winning total to chase.

Unfortunately for Stallions they found National team bowler Talat Ali in top form taking 3 for 14 of his 9 overs. The home side never recovered from this and despite a spirited 39 from Ahmed, they were bowled out for 108 in 31 overs.