Ottoman upsets Claremont to boost survival hopes

Mark Ward

There is still a long season ahead in the Western Province Premier League, but Ottoman’s hard-fought victory over Claremont on Saturday will undoubtedly inject fresh belief into a side desperate to steer clear of relegation.

Ottoman caused something of an upset in Constantia, defeating Claremont by 26 runs in a tense encounter that was shaped by disciplined batting and a collective bowling effort. The win, only their fourth of the campaign, may yet prove pivotal as the battle at the foot of the table intensifies.

After being sent in to bat, the visitors found themselves under early pressure. Openers Mubashier Omar (7) and Faheem Adams (0) were dismissed cheaply, leaving Ottoman reeling on 33/2  and in danger of being dismissed cheaply. However, Mujahid Toffar and Isma-eel Prince steadied the innings with a crucial fourth-wicket partnership that laid the foundation for a competitive total.

Toffar played with composure and authority in his knock of 68, while Prince matched him stroke for stroke with a fluent 66. Their stand of 89 revived Ottoman’s innings and shifted momentum firmly in their favour. Valuable down the order support came from Tohir Abrahams, who struck a sparkling 52 off just 44 deliveries. His innings included four boundaries and a towering six to help his side set the homeside a target of 230 runs for victory.

Claremont’s reply never quite gained traction, despite a spirited effort. The hosts struggled to build meaningful partnerships as Ottoman’s bowlers-maintained pressure throughout the chase. Matthew Wilson led the attack superbly, returning figures of 3/25 in 7.1 overs. He was well supported by Taahir Fredericks (2/20), player-coach Taariq Behardien (2/35), and Saood Ali (2/52), as Claremont were eventually bowled out,  26 runs short of the target.

Joshua Pistorius top-scored for Claremont with a patient 44 off 72 balls, while Josh Breed contributed 32, but inconsistency and the lack of sustained partnerships ultimately scuppered the home side’s chase. The match appeared headed for a thrilling finish before Marvin Williams was dramatically caught by Imraan Abrahams off the bowling of Wilson, effectively sealing the contest.

Despite the morale-boosting victory, Ottoman remains in the relegation zone, with a demanding run of double-header weekends looming. Behardien acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained optimistic.

“It’s not the position we want to be in, but this season has had its ups and downs. We’ve fought hard to get promoted and now we have to fight just as hard to stay in the league. But I remain optimistic” said an upbeat Behardien.

For Ottoman, Saturday’s win may yet serve as a turning point in their survival bid but they suffered a setback on Sunday when they went down to Bellville by eight wickets

This week’s fixtures is: Saturday:

Claremont Cricket vs Bellville; Green Point vs UWC; Western  Province vs Durbanville; Rondebosch vs  Victoria. Sunday: Rylands vs Bellville