MUSCAT: Zawawi Powertech Engineering LLC performed brilliantly to win all their seven matches to finish toppers of the Oman Cricket League A Division 2021-22 season.
In their last match on Saturday, Zawawi thumped Orient Travels by 188 runs to complete their campaign unbeaten in the 50-over league with 14 points from seven matches.
Chasing Zawawi's formidable score of 281 for nine in 50 overs, Orient were skittled out for 93 in 30.5 overs.
Kalaiarasan Natarajan was the man of the match scoring 61 runs and taking 2-29 while bowling.
Mohan Kumar B scored 42 for Zawawi.
All-rounder Nishad KS was the chief architect of Zawawi's sensational run. Nishad belted 261 runs and took 21 wickets from the seven matches.
"We are very happy to finish with all-win record. The players really backed me and I feel satisfied with my performance this year as the team is also on top."
Last year, Nishad and team-mates had put in all efforts but Zawawi finished third.
In a three-way battle for the championship, Arabian Region Travel and Tourism (ARTT) claimed the A division championship over better run-rate compared to runners-up Sarco and Zawawi.
All the three teams had 10 points each after end of the eight-team league.
This year, Zawawi left no room for complacency as they ended a clinical display by winning seven out of seven.
Second-placed Al Jadidi have six points with one match left and reach a maximum of eight points if they win the next match.
Orient Travels have completed their seven matches and are in third position with six points.
By topping the A division league, Zawawi have ensured their presence in the Premier Division next season.
"We are happy to be promoted to the Premier Division in the next season after we missed it closely last year," Nishad said.
Saravana Kumar Periyasamy, team sponsor and mentor, said it was a dream journey for the team started with D division.
“Success is special and when it’s achieved after a long and hard fought battle, it’s even more special. It was a dream, the journey started in 2012 at D division and now we are here as champions of A division. This success is very much attributable to leadership, team work, discipline and dedication. As sponsors, we are extremely proud and would like to wish the team on their achievement.”
Zawawi captain Prabhakaran Kannan said the players deserve the credit to post seven straight victories.
“It’s been a pleasure to lead the team to championship and become invincible in A division 2021-22. I would like to thank our management/sponsor Zawawi Powertech Engineering LLC for their faith and support over the years, special thanks to the support staff, friends and well-wishers. Most importantly the players, who have shown utmost dedication and commitment towards the game and made this possible,” Kannan said.
More achievements are on the way for Zawawi in the Oman Cricket T20 knockout tournament.
Zawawi have entered the T20 knockout semifinals and will take on Al Jadidi in the match on March 25.
Zawawi's A division campaign
Nov 13, 2021: Beat Al Jadidi by two wickets
Nov 27, 2021: Beat Sunlight by 129 runs
Dec 25, 2021: Beat Sarco LLC by 153 runs
Mar 1, 2022: Beat ABL Task by 145 runs
Mar 4, 2022: Beat Ernst & Young LLC by 112 runs
Mar 10, 2022: Beat LC Tech by 5 wickets
Mar 19, 2022: Beat Orient Travels by 188 runs
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