Son’s of Pitches crowned Croydon Last Man Stands cricket champions

Mohsin Saleem of Sialkot Warriors was the batsman of the tournament

After a competition that started with seven cricket teams in Croydon at the end of April, on Sunday, August 18, it was finally narrowed down to two teams to play in the final of Croydon’s Last Man Stands League.

Top of the table, Ali’s Cricket Club had qualified for the final with a victory over Abbott Falcons in their semi final, and they were joined in the final by Son’s of Pitches – Croydon, who had earlier triumphed over Sialkot Warriors.

The two teams had already played each other twice earlier in the season with Ali’s Cricket Club, led by Captain Ali Haider winning both games.

Ali’s Cricket Club won the toss and elected to bat first, but a great bowling performance by Son’s of Pitches – Croydon, led Captain Anish Joshi taking 2 wickets and Man of the Match, Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal taking 3 wickets, saw Son’s of Pitches – Croydon needing to chase a target of 103.

Man of the Match, Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal came out to open the batting for Son’s of Pitches - Croydon, and was able to lead the way for the rest of the team with a half century and give Son’s of Pitches – Croydon a 7 wicket victory.

On Saturday, August 31, Mayor of Croydon Humayun Kabir celebrated his 100th day in the office by inviting the champions and a few players who had performed individually to the Mayor’s Parlour for a presentation ceremony.

Mohsin Saleem of Sialkot Warriors was the batsman of the tournament. Mohsin is currently ranked in the top 100 Last Man Stands batsman in the world.

This year Mohsin has made an incredible impact for his team. In 13 matches Mohsin has scored 519 runs hitting 6 half centuries on the way, one of which came off only 10 balls, in another innings Mohsin scored 94 runs off 46 balls but the most memorable half century was in the Last Man Stands Super Series where he was drafted amongst the best players in England and selected to play for Regents Park Royals and he scored a match changing 52 off 15 balls.

Gyan Vishnoi of Sutton Stunners was the 2019 Croydon Bowler of the Season. In 8 matches Gyan took 13 wickets, his best match figures were taking 4 wickets for 9 runs in 3 overs.

Gyan Vishnoi of Sutton Stunners was the 2019 Croydon Bowler of the Season

Imran Rasheed, the Captain of Sialkot Warriors was this year’s Wicket Keeper of the Season. Imran took plenty of catches and stumpings this season which took him to the top of the Croydon Keeper rankings.

Ali Haider, team Captain of Ali’s Cricket Club was the All Rounder of Season. In 10 innings Ali scored 271, averaging 34 runs. In addition Ali took 12 wickets during the season.

After finishing second in the Croydon League standings, it was Son’s of Pitches - Croydon, winning the league with a victory in the semi final against Sialkot Warriors and the final against Ali’s Cricket Club, giving Son’s of Pitches - Croydon the opportunity to go on and represent Croydon in the Last Man Stands London Championships.

Last Man Stands is a T20 Cricket League played in 15 different countries which is open to everyone of all standards to join. Teams start by playing locally in their respective suburb and then progress to their respective regional championships, then national championships before reaching the world championships.

Imran Rasheed, Captain of Sialkot Warriors, was this year’s Wicket Keeper of the Season

Speaking to Croydon League Umpire, Omar Siddiqui said: “I can’t tell people enough how much I love umpiring for Last Man Stands, it fills me with great pleasure to see people enjoy playing the game that I am umpiring.

"I love the game of cricket, especially the format of T20 and Last Man Stands takes the format of T20 cricket and with the unique rules and concept makes the game even faster moving which makes it more exciting, more challenging and more intense.

"What I love more is, unlike a lot of clubs, Last Man Stands doesn’t turn away players who are not up to a certain standard, Last Man Stands will always accommodate any individual/team who want to play.

Ali Haider (left), team Captain of Ali’s Cricket Club was the All Rounder of Season

"In addition, there aren’t many leagues out there that give amateur people a chance to play cricket on a global level.

"The level of standard in Croydon is very open, we have clubs who have teams playing and we have other teams who are very inexperienced, but regardless what the standard is, everyone has great fun playing. To register a team all people need to do is go to the Last Man Stands website and they will see how amazing the league is.