Batsmen in the runs at start of Challenger Cup

THE Mahua Super 8 Challenger Cup began with a bang at Victoria Park last weekend as more than 736 runs were scored in just four matches on the opening day of the tournament.

With each side having just 10 overs to make their mark, big hitting and fast scoring are a feature of the

competition, which is hosted by the Mahua Youth Project and features eight teams from across east London.

The opening Group One match between Ardent and India set the tone for the weekend as India miraculously knocked off the 18 runs they needed off the final over to snatch an unlikely victory.

The match between East London Community cricket club and OPG also had spectators on the edges of their seats as Jumma Khan's impressive innings of 61 for OPG proved insufficient to

prevent East London from winning the match.

The fast-paced excitement continued into Sunday as the second round of matches remained tight affairs.

Island community cricket club took charge of Group One with a second straight as a brilliant

all-round display from Tanjeem Chowdhury (pictured) inspired a four-wicket win over Ardent.

Bangladesh Cricket Forum UK hold the upper hand in Group Two after maintaining their unbeaten record with a massive 126-run triumph over OPG.

Next weekend will see the final matches in the group stages as the teams compete to get through to the semi finals and remain on course for the £1,000 prize money on offer to the winners of the competition.