Omaha Cricket Association

Nebraska Cricket Club defeated Iowa State CC in the final by 22 runs to win the Midwest Twenty/20 Championship for the first time since 2003.
After losing the toss and being sent into bat, NCC got a terrific start with 19 runs off the first over and never looked back. An excellent 54 run 3rd wicket partnership was produced by good hitting and smart running between the wickets from Nirmal Srinivasan and Manju Shri. Srinivasan anchored the innings with a superb captain's knock, top scoring with 57 off 47 balls. The score was also moved along with a brilliant cameo from Rampi Cheruku, who clubbed 24 off 10 including three 6s.

NCC finished on 192/9 which was always going to be difficult to track down. However, they got off to an excellent start from their top order and were well placed at 61/1 after 7 overs to make a thrilling chase. Danger man Abrar was on 51 at the start of the 16th over and looked well set having struck four 4s and two 6s. But a big gamble paid off as Manju Shri was brought back on after a wayward opening spell. Shri took a wicket first ball back having Babu out skying a cut shot which was well taken on the run by Peter Della Penna. After hitting the next delivery for two, Abrar was caught on the long on boundary by Jatin Khurana trying to go for another six. It was a crucial double wicket over for Shri, and it left him with figures of 3/28. Once Abrar was gone, the lower order could not sustain the required scoring rate and the match was over. Nirmal won the Man of the Match Award for the second time in the tournament after collecting his first in the team's must win second match in group play.

In the semifinal, it was a memorable performance from Francis Origanti that sent the team through over Topeka CC. Chasing 150, Origanti blitzed the bowling for nine 4s and eight 6s, bringing up us century in style with a 6 over long on in just 43 balls. He was the easy choice for Man of the Match, carrying his bat for 117 not out.