MUSCAT: Yalla Shabab has claimed the championship title in the highly competitive Oman Cricket Premier Division (50-over-a-side) League for the 2024-25 season.
In an exhilarating conclusion to the season, Yalla Shabab narrowly defeated their fellow team, Royal Oman Stallions, based on net run rate, avenging their previous loss in the Oman D10 League.
The victories of Yalla Shabab and Royal Oman Stallions represent a significant milestone for team owner Chaitanya Khimji, as both teams have excelled in the tournaments, finishing as champions and runners-up in both formats this season.
During the final match of the Premier Division, Yalla Shabab showcased a dominant performance against Majees CC, winning by 85 runs. Batting first, they set a formidable target of 308/9, led by Gowtham Sagar’s impressive unbeaten century. His score of 131 runs off 126 balls included 10 fours and six sixes, while Zikria Islam contributed a rapid 71 runs from 71 balls.
Majees’ bowlers had some success, particularly Abid Ullah, who took 4 wickets for 68 runs, but the batting side struggled to cope with the pressure.
Despite a valiant half-century from Wishwa W and valuable contributions in the 30s from Abbas Khan, Faizan Abdullah, and Abdul Rauf, Majees could only reach 223/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Mohit Patel’s effective bowling performance of 3 wickets for 29 runs, along with Zikria Islam’s two wickets, secured the victory and the championship for Yalla Shabab.
Redemption and Rivalry
The title embodied a sense of poetic justice for Yalla Shabab, who had previously been outperformed by Royal Oman Stallions in the Oman D10 League earlier this season.
The Stallions had secured that title, continuing their dominance from the prior year. However, Yalla Shabab’s recent victory in the Premier Division League served as a powerful rebuttal, allowing them to overturn the previous outcome and seize the prestigious championship.
“This is a double dream realized,” expressed a thrilled Chaitanya Khimji.
“To see my teams finish as champions and runners-up is a momentous achievement. The dedication of the management, coaches, and players has truly paid off, and I couldn’t be more proud. We are now eager to replicate this success in the D50 and D20 tournaments, aiming for a quadruple.”
Both Yalla Shabab and Royal Oman Stallions concluded the Premier Division with eight points each, but Yalla Shabab’s superior net run rate provided them with the advantage.
The accomplishments of both teams in the two tournaments reflect Chaitanya’s vision and commitment to promoting excellence in domestic cricket.
Reflecting on the achievements of his teams, the owner expressed, "Our path has been characterized by dedication, collaboration, and memorable experiences. Witnessing both of my teams excel highlights the remarkable talent and commitment present among us. We are determined to keep elevating our performance and establishing new benchmarks in the sport."
Chaitanya’s cricket teams have consistently led the way in Oman’s domestic cricket scene in recent years.
Yalla Shabab emerged as the champions of the D20 tournament in 2023, while the Royal Oman Stallions have repeatedly triumphed in the D10 format, securing consecutive titles.
“The success stems from the strategic planning and execution by our team owner, Chaitanyabhai, our head coach Prasanth Chandran, the coaching staff, and the players,” stated Yalla Shabab captain Jay Odedra.
“We possess a robust blend of talent, and this title victory enhances our confidence as we pursue success in the upcoming tournaments of the season.”
Key performers
In the Premier Division, Yalla Shabab's standout players included Hasnain Ul Wahab, who was the leading run-scorer with 216 runs across five matches, and Mohit Patel, who took the most wickets with 11 from five games.
For the Oman Stallions, Hasnain Ali Shah was the standout performer, excelling with both bat and ball. He scored 181 runs and took 13 wickets in five matches, showcasing his all-round capabilities throughout the tournament.
For Chaitanya, the journey continues. “Our objective is to sustain this momentum and keep delivering high-quality cricket. The enthusiasm and commitment of everyone involved inspire me to believe we can reach even greater achievements,” he remarked.
Brief scores: Yalla Shabab 308/9 in 50 overs (Gowtham Sagar 131 n.o.; Abid Ullah 4/68) defeated Majees CC 223/9 in 50 overs (Wishwa W 59; Mohit Patel 3/29).
