Gulf Cables emerge champions at Indian Army Cricket Tournament

Gulf Cables & Electrical Industries Group Co. K.S.C.P. has achieved a sporting success after winning the Season 18 finals of the Indian Army Cricket Tournament, held at the Sulaibikhat Cricket Ground recently.

The victory marks the company’s first championship title in one of the region’s most competitive community cricket tournaments.

The tournament, which extended over six months and featured leading teams from across the country, is widely regarded as a premier event on the local cricket calendar.

This season was particularly significant for Gulf Cables, as it marked the team’s first-ever appearance in the final, following near misses in the previous two editions.

In the championship match, Gulf Cables faced the seasoned Friends F11 Cricket Club and produced a commanding all-round performance.

Opting to bowl first, the team took full advantage of the cool early-morning conditions. A disciplined pace and spin attack, combined with sharp fielding, restricted Friends F11 to 160 runs in 19.5 overs.

Standout bowling performances came from Dilip Poojary, who claimed four wickets, supported by Vivek Kotteswaran, Charan Shetty, and Rawail Khan, who maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings.

The chase proved equally emphatic. Gulf Cables’ openers dominated the powerplay, racing to 88 runs without loss.

Zahid Ali led the charge with a scintillating unbeaten 93 off 37 balls, while Dilip Poojary added a rapid 50 off 25 deliveries. The target was comfortably reached in just 12.3 overs, with nine wickets remaining.

For his outstanding all-round contribution, Dilip Poojary was named Man of the Match and also secured the Best Bowler of the Tournament award after finishing with 21 wickets.

Anil Reddy of Friends F11 was recognized as Best Batsman of the Tournament, having amassed 629 runs over the course of the competition.

The Gulf Cables cricket team expressed its sincere appreciation to the company’s leadership for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout the tournament.

Their guidance played a vital role in motivating the players, many of whom are factory employees balancing demanding shift schedules, to maintain discipline, consistency and commitment over the lengthy tournament.