Lions roar in final match before Memorial Day cricket tournament

The Utah Lions and Vincent Hawks played at 11th Avenue Park in Salt Lake City on Sunday, May 20.

The Utah Lions ended the Vincent Hawk’s five-game winning streak, with an all-around, six-wicket, 169-168 victory between two South Salt Lake Valley/Utah Valley clubs.

The win will give the Lions momentum going into this weekend’s big Intermountain Cricket League Memorial Day tournament.
 Lions won the toss and elected to bowl first. Lions fast bowler Raza Hassan kept a good line and length with the new ball. Hawks opening batsmen Diwakar (21) and Vinoth (9) played defensively and didn’t give away a wicket for the first eight overs.

That streak ended when the Lions’ Utsav bowled a beauty to dismiss Diwakar.

Vincent’s Charan (19) and Sridhar (34) had a good partnership and batted watchfully to keep the scoreboard ticking. In reply the Lions’ Aslam Cheema and Umar Javed bowled brilliantly and bagged a wicket each to dismiss them. Hawks’ K.C (9), Roy (17) and Poro Burman (13) all started well by hitting sixes but couldn’t stay on the wicket longer because of spells of solid bowling by Lions’ pacers Raza Hassan, Rohit Pathak and Umar Javed, and restricted the Hawks for 168. Lions’ debutant Malik Hameed made three catches.

“Winning the toss and bowling put a bit of pressure on the bowlers, but I’m glad it worked for us,” Utah’s Harris Zia said.

Lions’ opening batsmen Omar Alam and Harris Zia started the chase aggressively. Harris Zia scored a quick 36 in just 18 balls (including three 6s) until he was dismissed by Vincent’s Diwakar, who took two wickets quickly with his spin bowls.

At this point Lions were 7 1/2 in 10 overs. The game could have gone either way but Lions captain, Alam, played a responsible match-winning score of 68 (three 6s and  four 4s). He was supported by Lion’s debutant Suman (15). In response, Hawks’ Burman struck twice but it was too little too late. Lions reached the target of 169 with six wickets in hand and five overs to spare.

“I’m proud of the fact that we were able to end Hawk’s winning streak. Now we look forward in taking this form into the memorial weekend tournament,” Lions captain Omar Alam said.

MAY 13: Vincent Hawks 151, Layton Bashers 150 (Hawks catch Bashers with five overs to spare)

Intermountain Cricket League Standings
Team                               W                  L                  Runs for     Runs against
Vincent Hawks                  5                  1                   163.8               153
Utah Lions                          3                  3                  167.2               156.7
SLC Sabrecats                  3                  3                   154                 164.8
Layton Bashers                  0                  4                  145.3               158.3

ICL Memorial Day Tournament
At 11th Avenue Park, Salt Lake City
Saturday
Boise Firebirds vs. Utah Lions, 9 a.m.
Las Vegas Express vs. Salt Lake County Sabrecats, 1:30 p.m. (approx.)
Sunday
Third place game, 9 a.m.
Championship, 1:30 p.m.