In one of the most riveting contests of the Eastern Storm Veterans Cricket 2025 League’s opening weekend, the Alberton Old Stars chased down Bedfordview Lions’ competitive total of 197 with just five balls to spare, winning by 2 wickets in a nail-biting finish. Julian Jackson starred with a blistering 85 off 45 balls, setting the foundation for Alberton's dramatic win at the death.
First Innings – Iqbal Khan Anchors Lions to 197
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, the Bedfordview Lions built their innings around disciplined partnerships and a standout performance from skipper Iqbal Khan. Openers Raj Gusain (27 off 27) and Shailesh Dhamane (20 off 30) provided a steady start, taking the score to 46 before wickets began to fall in clusters.
Ryno Wessels (47 off 43) added impetus in the middle overs with some clean strokeplay, including five boundaries and a six. However, it was Iqbal Khan’s aggressive unbeaten 53 from just 40 deliveries that propelled the Lions toward a respectable 197/6 in their allotted 30 overs. Khan timed his acceleration perfectly, smashing boundaries late in the innings to ensure a defendable total.
Alberton's bowlers shared the wickets, with Taariq Pieterse (2/32) and Julian Jackson (1/36) providing breakthroughs. Despite some expensive spells, they managed to check the scoring rate with timely wickets, especially in the final overs.
The Alberton Old Stars Squad that pulled off a last over hard fought victory over Bedfordview Lions during the Opening Weekend.
Second Innings – Jackson’s Heroics Outshine Lions’ Fightback
Chasing 198, Alberton Old Stars had a fiery start, thanks to Brett Johnson’s quickfire 21 off 13 balls, which included a six and three fours. But it was Julian Jackson who stole the show with an explosive innings that turned the momentum firmly in Alberton’s favor. His 85 off just 45 balls featured 14 boundaries and 2 sixes, displaying power and finesse in equal measure.
Jackson’s counterattack saw Alberton racing to 144 by the 19th over. However, his dismissal — brilliantly caught by Somu Suragani off Iqbal Khan — reignited Bedfordview’s hopes. The Lions clawed their way back into the game, with Khan returning to claim three key wickets in the death overs, including Andrew Magua and Barend Spies.
Taariq Pieterse then kept his nerve under pressure, scoring a crucial 16 not out to take his side to victory with just five balls remaining. Amir Nasim sealed the match with a boundary off the first ball of the final over.
Despite the loss, Bedfordview’s bowlers fought valiantly. Iqbal Khan’s 5.1 overs yielded 3 wickets for 32 runs, while Mohit Verma and Suragani kept things tight in the middle overs.
Key Performances:
• Julian Jackson (Alberton Old Stars): 85 (45 balls), 14 fours, 2 sixes – match-defining knock; Player of the Match
• Iqbal Khan (Bedfordview Lions): 53* (40 balls) & 5.1-0-32-3 – led from the front with bat and ball
• Ryno Wessels (Bedfordview Lions): 47 (43 balls), 5 fours, 1 six
• Taariq Pieterse (Alberton Old Stars): 6-0-32-2 & 16* (13 balls) – vital all-round contribution
• Somu Shekhar Suragani (Bedfordview Lions): 6-0-22-1 – kept scoring rate in check through the middle overs
Bedfordview Lions Innings Scorecard.
Alberton Old Stars Innings Scorecard.