It was a close call for Bluffuzz but they managed to pull off a four-run win over Xmen in the first semifinal of the Monteco Creations’ Tyro Sports 45 and Over Windball T10 Cricket League on Saturday.
Bluffuzz brought the excitement at the Gabba grounds in Bourg Mulatresse in Lower Santa Cruz, batting first and posting 74/6 off their 10 overs in what turned out to be a thriller.
Anthony Ruiz led the way with 20 while his teammate Ricky Ramlakan added 13 for Bluffuzz. Emerging the best bowler for the Xmen was Carl Solomon with 2-11 from his two overs.
In reply, Xmen, who was beaten by Bluffuzz in the opening match of the preliminary round by eight wickets, showed improvement in both innings but fell short of its target, reaching 70/9 as their batsmen were limited by the bowling of Richard Morang and Carlyle Simmons, who claimed 2-12 and 2-14 in their respective two overs for Bluffuzz, which now moves on to the final.
Robert "Magic" Brathwaite (20) and Alex Fredericks (14) were the leading batsmen for Xmen who will now await the winner of the elimination playoffs to battle for the other place in the final which is carded for Saturday from 6.30 pm, following the third-place match at 4 pm.
The Big Six quarterfinals were scheduled to play last evening. The winners will compete tomorrow for a place in the second semifinal, carded for the following day against Xmen.
Scores:
Bluffuzz 74/6 (A Ruiz 20, R Ramlakan 13; C Solomon 2-11) vs Xmen 70/9 (R Brathwaite 20, A Fredericks 14; R Morang 2-12; C Simmons 2-14). Bluffuzz won by four runs.