V-Net Communications Vipers produced a brutal, all-round assault to gain revenge on Village Rams and cop a cash incentive of $120,000 and Pure Entertainment’s Tapeball title on Monday. Rams had booted Vipers at the semi-finals when they last met in another tournament.
Set a target of 50 in four overs, Vipers blazed to their target in just 1.4 overs, led by national player Bhaskar Yadram, who smashed 42 (2x4s; 5x6s) from 10 balls.
The belligerent Yadram ended the match with four consecutive sixes off the bowling of Omesh ‘Rampage’ Dhanram, while Kemol Savory was unbeaten on nine. Yadram, who had the ball sailing out of the National Park Tarmac, also won $10,000 for the fastest 40 in the tournament.
When Village Rams were inserted to take first strike, Dhanram, their marque batsman, fell for just seven to the hostile Trevor Benn, while Yadram bowled the wristy Ershad Ali to dent any chances of a threatening total.
In the semi-finals, Vipers achieved a similar feat, crushing Diamond by 10 wickets, while Rams won a thriller against Eccles All-Stars, defending 125 in five overs, as over 200 runs were scored in the combined 10 overs.
At the semi-finals, Vipers mowed down 43 in two overs and earlier in the tournament they amassed 147-2 off six overs, with Yadram making 82 and Savory 53.
Organiser Dexter George thanked the 17 teams for registering to participate in the tournament. He said it was a well-run competition, as he thanked all the sponsors for their support.
Given the success, George hoped the third edition could offer more prizes and more teams can join in support.
