Gemini Arabians have won the first edition of Masters Champions League by defeating Leo Lions in the final match played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium here on Sunday. They won final by 16 runs to claim Oxigen MCL 2016 trophy. Gemini Arabians won all their 7 matches of the tournament including the final game.
In the crucial final match Leo Lions captain Brian Lara won the toss and chose to field. This was quite interesting decision as Gemini Arabians team had been scoring runs at the great pace and asking them to put runs on the board in big match, was really a shocking decision for all. But bowlers did a great job and restricted Arabians team to 130 in 20 overs.
It was not a difficult target in terms of the format of the game but it was quite challenging on Dubai’s bowling friendly pitch and Gemini Arabians had brilliant bowlers in terms of Muttiah Muralitharan and Saqlain Mushtaq. Rana Naved ul-hasan took hat trick in the match to lead Gemini towards the trophy win.
Rana Naved took 4 wickets in his 4 overs by spending just 9 runs in this tournament deciding game. Whole Leo Lions team got all out in 19.3 overs after scoring 114 runs which game Gemini a victory of 16 runs to become first champion of Masters Champions League. Rana Naved was given “man of the match” award for his brilliant spell whereas leading run scorer of the competition Kumar Sangakkara was named “Player of the series”.
On this win, Gemini Arabians captain Virender Sehwag said, “Thanks to my teammates, especially Kemp & Sanga to score for a good total. Even Mills with that Six. Brilliant start by Kyle & Onions for those 3 wickets. And Rana was too good today. All players took responsibility.”
MCL 2016 Final summary
Gemini Arabians – 130/7 in 20 overs.
Leo Lions – 114/10 in 19.3 0vers.
Man of the match – Rana Naved Ul-Hasan
Man of the series – Kumar Sangakkara