GLOUCESTER AIW produced a fine team effort to hold off Pak Bristolians by 20 runs to win the Stuart Canvas Gloucestershire Trophy final at Thornbury … six years after their first success in the popular competition.
The toss was won by Pak Bristolians who had no hesitation in electing to bowl on a cold, breezy and damp morning, yet their Gloucestershire County League opponents were able to make steady progress thanks to Ali Khalid.
The opener mixed watchful defence with a willingness to attack anything that was short or overpitched, and he went on to top score with 61 from 60 (seven fours, one six).
Pak Bristolians, though, came back into contention thanks to brothers Abdullah (3-13) and Ahmed Tabraiz (2-28, both from eight) as AIW slid from 104-2 to 152-8.
But the end of the innings was dominated by Kaihaan Zakhil who plundered an unbeaten 47 from just 26 (four fours, three sixes) to lift his side to a very useful total of 204-8 from their 40.
In reply, the Pak Bristolians innings was twice interrupted early on by short breaks for rain while AIW kept a tight rein on the scoring rate and were able to take regular wickets through Vasif Muzavar (3-30 from eight) and Zakhil who continued his fine day with an excellent return of 3-40 from seven.
Beaten finalists Pak Bristolians
Pak Bristolians, though, were always in with a chance while Abdur-Rehman Tabraiz was at the wicket but his dismissal, for a fine 53 from 59 (one four, three sixes) off Mohammad Saleh (2-45), made the score 173-9 and handed AIW a decisive advantage with time rapidly running out.
The final wicket went to AIW captain Ahmedi Saleh who was soon lifting the silverware to put the seal on a remarkable 26th season at the helm.
From left to right, Kevin Carden, Pak Bristolians captain Subhan Razaq, Gloucester AIW skipper Ahmedi Saleh and Darren Turl
And his club, with one round of games to go, have the chance to also seal promotion as they are currently fourth in Division Three of the County League, only 11 points behind second placed Ullenwood Bharat.
Their last match is at home to leaders Dumbleton 2nds while Ullenwood entertain Dymock and third-placed Hatherley & Reddings welcome Fairford.
Pak Bristolians, meanwhile, also have the chance to end the season by clinching promotion. They are currently second in the Senior Division of the Bristol & District League, and end their campaign with a home date on Saturday against runaway champions Frenchay.
BRISTOL went out of the ECB National Club T20 with a three-wicket defeat against Oundle Town in a regional semi-final, despite 77 off 56 from Sam Bracey and Josh Shaw’s haul of 3-27 from four.