TCC Taped Ball Winter 2019 – ECC Winners, BHCC Runners up

On Feb 29, 2020, ECC was crowned the CHAMPIONS of TCC Taped Ball – Winter 2019 after defeating BHCC ( in their first final ) to claim their 5th TCC Championship in an enthralling game of cricket. Both teams had a fantastic tournament and reached the finals after a few close but well fought games in the playoffs in a highly competitive TCC tournament.

On a pleasant sunny morning, BHCC won the toss and elected to field. ECC openers, Bhaskar (16) and Kumar (11), gave steady start to ECC innings and were scoring at 6 RPO at the end of 5 overs after some tight bowling. BHCC hit back by dismissing both the openers in quick succession in the 6th over. George and Kiran then steadied the ship and were going at a good click reaching 67/2 at the end of 10. They upped the ante right after the break but lost George (23) and Venkat (5) to some tight bowling from Madhusudhan. After consolidating for a couple of overs, Kiran (70* of 44 balls) and Avinash (34* of 14 balls) went on a relentless onslaught and plundered 57 of the last 4 overs, taking ECC to 165/4 at the end of 20 overs. Kiran’s innings was a treat to watch. Madhusudhan was the pick of BHCC bowlers (4-1-20-2).

Chasing a big total of 165, BHCC started well and was ahead of the required rate at the end of 7th over by scoring 59 without losing a wicket. A tight spell from Sankar (4-0-24-2), who removed both the openers Mithilesh(23) and Hirak(44) in quick successive overs, restored the balance of the game. At the break, BHCC was at 76/2. BHCC batsmen, Paul (38) and Sandip (22) continued keeping up with the required run rate. The required run rate started climbing steadily. ECC’s strike bowlers came back with BHCC needing 39 off the last 4 overs. A 2 wicket 4 run 17th over from Mani(4-0-20-2), broke the back of the huge run chase. BHCC lost few more wickets trying to get to the target but finished at 154/7. At the end ECC won by 11 runs.

The game was followed by well-organized presentation ceremony hosted and facilitated by Jagadish Biradar of TCC. Sumptuous refreshments were served to the teams and visitors. The event was honored by Chief guest, Mr. Jannisar Khan, current US National team player. He is also an active contributor the growth of youth cricket in Houston which is emerging as the hub of Youth cricket in the USA.

Chief Guest Jannisar Khan felicitated by TCC by Coach Duncan

Sankar Tangirala, captain of ECC was presented the championship trophy. Sankar and George of ECC with Championship trophy

ECC Team with Championship Trophy and chief Guest Jannisar Khan

Sandeep Patil, captain of BHCC was presented the runners up trophy.

BHCC team with Runners up Trophy and Chief Guest Jannisar Khan

Kiran Muppala of ECC was awarded the Man of the Match for his dazzling all round performance of 70*(44), a spell of 4-0-29-0 with 2 catches and a brilliant run-out.