Aga Khan SC cricketers bolstered their title chase in the Division A of the Dar es Salaam Regional Cricket Committee (DRCC) League with a four-run victory over rivals, Academy Boys, at the Annadil Burhani venue early this week.

The two sides, which have engaged in an exciting rivalry in domestic top flight cricket for years, were meeting in a crucial encounter, whose results were bound to improve either of the side’s chances in the battle for the trophy.

And it was Aga Khan SC that eventually came out smiling this time as the team’s dependable performers managed to hang on and secure crucial two points for their side.

Aga Khan were the first to bat in the game, in which they managed to record 132 runs all out, prior to keeping their opponents in check thereafter and frustrate the chase in the process.

In response, Academy Boys battled hard in a bid to avoid an embarrassing defeat but, in the end, were five runs short of the needed target, which could otherwise have helped them tame Aga Khan.

With Aga Khan having managed to inflict the painful defeat on Academy Boys, the battle for supremacy in the Division A has certainly garnered intensity considering that the latter will seek to bounce back in the next match.

Meanwhile, Shaaban Robert Secondary School scrapped through to a one-wicket win over Academy Boys Development in the opening match of the Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) Secondary Schools League at the Leaders Club venue in the city mid week.

Shaaban Robert, one of the league favourites, summoned composure at the crease and managed to fend off the challenge from Academy Boys in the game to ultimately register a morale boosting victory.

Academy Boys opted to start batting and scored 133 runs all out in their innings but then disappointingly failed to defend the encouraging total.

Shaaban Robert, on reply, embarked on a determined chase of their opponents’ score and eventually realized the target for the loss of nine wickets.

Despite facing quick dismissals in the chase, Shaaban Robert’s resilience remained intact and that definitely was an aspect that played crucial role in the team’s narrow victory.

Six teams are competing in the league and they have been grouped into A and B. Group A comprises Academy Boys Development, Indian School and Shaaban Robert while group B has Aga Khan Mzizima, Dar Raptors and Schools Combine.

By JAPHETH KAZENGA, Tanzania Daily News

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