ND Friendship Cup: Cricket, Fall Colors, and a Record-Breaking Day in North Dakota

Grand Forks and Fargo met for a deciding cricket match on October 4, 2026 — but the story was about much more than the final score.

North Dakota may be better known for football, hockey, and long winters, but on a crisp October afternoon, another sport was building its own tradition. 

Against a backdrop of trees beginning to turn yellow and gold, players from Grand Forks Cricket Club and NDSU Cricket Club gathered on October 4 for the deciding match of the inaugural ND Friendship Cup.

It was Grand Forks versus Fargo. In many ways, it was also a friendly sporting connection between communities centered around two of North Dakota's major universities — the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University.

More importantly, it was another sign of something that has been quietly growing across the state: a North Dakota cricket community.

A Series Tied 1–1

There could hardly have been a better setup for the final match.

Grand Forks had previously traveled to Fargo and won. Fargo returned the favor when they came to Grand Forks.

So, heading into October 4:

Grand Forks 1 — Fargo/NDSU 1.

The third match would decide the ND Friendship Cup.

The first two games had already produced memorable individual performances, including strong displays from Sriram and Prabhjot in the opening game and Opu of NDSU Cricket Club in the second.

But the deciding match would produce something completely different.

Something that people playing tape-tennis cricket in this region may talk about for a long time.

The Decider Begins

NDSU won the toss and elected to bowl first.

It seemed a reasonable decision for a 15-over match.

Then Sriram on the scorecard — started batting.

And almost immediately, the match changed.

This was not an innings that gradually gathered momentum. Ram attacked from the beginning and continued attacking until the final ball of the Grand Forks innings.

Boundaries kept disappearing.

The total kept climbing.

And somewhere along the way, what had begun as an important innings in a Friendship Cup decider became a record-breaking performance.

178 Not Out From 55 Balls

Ram finished unbeaten on an extraordinary:

178 from 55 balls*

with:

24 sixes · 4 fours · Strike rate 323.6

Twenty-four sixes.

In a 15-over game.

That means 160 of his 178 runs came in boundaries alone — 144 from sixes and another 16 from fours.

It was the innings that separated the two teams.

Tahsin contributed 18 from 12 balls, Hasib added 12 from 9, and Talha finished unbeaten with 20 from 11, but Ram's innings dominated the scorecard.

After 15 overs, Grand Forks had reached:

245/3

A run rate of 16.33 runs per over.

A New Local Six-Hitting Record

RAM — 178 (55)*

24 SIXES | 4 FOURS | SR 323.6

The number that perhaps best describes the innings is not even 178.

It is 24.

Twenty-four sixes in a single innings.

The local tape-tennis cricket community had previously seen exceptional power hitting, including a major six-hitting performance by Khizar from the Fargo cricket community. But Ram's 24 sixes appear to have pushed the mark even further.

On a day intended to decide a tournament, the crowd instead witnessed one of those innings that becomes part of local cricket folklore.

Years from now, somebody may ask:

"What was the record?"

And someone will answer:

"Twenty-four sixes. Grand Forks against NDSU. Friendship Cup, 2026."

(Ram celebrates reaching 150 during his extraordinary unbeaten 178 in the ND Friendship Cup decider.)

NDSU Refuses to Go Quietly

Chasing 246 in 15 overs meant NDSU needed to score at more than 16 runs per over from the beginning.

That is an enormous chase.

But NDSU did not simply surrender to the scoreboard.

Their batters continued attacking and produced a strong 154-run response.

Tanbir led the way with 34 from 19 balls, including five sixes. Zahid struck 29 from 17, Sultan made 21 from 12, and Rakib added 21 from 20.

Delwar remained unbeaten on 12 from 9, while Sakil finished with 9 not out from 6.

NDSU eventually completed its 15 overs at:

154/6

A scoring rate of 10.27 runs per over — a strong batting rate on most days.

On this particular day, however, they had run into an innings of 178.

---

The Deciding Scorecard

	Grand Forks Cricket Club	NDSU Cricket Club
Score	245/3	154/6
Overs	15	15
Run rate	16.33	10.27
Top scorer	Ram – 178 (55)*	Tanbir – 34 (19)
Result	Won by 91 runs	—

Among the bowling performances for Grand Forks, Izaz took 2/38 from three overs, while Haseeb, Ram, Soriiful and Serat also picked up wickets.

For NDSU, Rakib returned 2/43, while Shontu took one wicket.

Grand Forks Cricket Club won by 91 runs and took the deciding match of the ND Friendship Cup.

Official scorecard: Grand Forks Cricket Club 245/3 defeated NDSU Cricket Club 154/6 by 91 runs in the 15-over Friendship Cup decider on October 4, 2026.

(Scored by: https://pitchsidecricket.com/)

But the Friendship Cup Was Bigger Than 245 Runs

The scoreboard tells one story.

The photographs tell another.

Two groups of players. Different backgrounds. Students, researchers, professionals, families and friends gathering around a sport many of them grew up playing thousands of miles away.

And now they are playing it in North Dakota.

That may ultimately be the most important part of the Friendship Cup.

Grand Forks and Fargo are separated by roughly 80 miles of Interstate 29. UND and NDSU have one of North Dakota's best-known sporting rivalries.

Cricket offers a different kind of connection.

Players travel south to Fargo.

Fargo players travel north to Grand Forks.

They compete hard for a few hours, argue about runs and wickets, celebrate sixes, take photographs together — and then start talking about the next match.

The word "Friendship" in Friendship Cup therefore feels particularly appropriate. The ND Friendship Cup was aptly coined by Rakib from NDSU Cricket Club.

Cricket Finds a Home in North Dakota

For international communities in places such as Grand Forks and Fargo, sport can become much more than recreation.

Cricket creates a familiar space in an unfamiliar landscape.

It brings together people from countries and cultures where cricket may have been part of childhood — India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and many others — while also introducing the game to friends and families who may be seeing it for the first time.

And North Dakota provides a rather spectacular setting for it.

The cricket season here is short.

Summer disappears quickly.

By early October, green fields begin meeting yellow trees, jackets start appearing along the boundary, and everyone knows winter is not far away.

That makes every remaining weekend of cricket feel a little more valuable.

On October 4, the changing fall colors formed the background as Grand Forks and Fargo completed their first Friendship Cup.

It is difficult to imagine a more North Dakotan cricket scene.

(Winners : Grand Forks Cricket Club , First edition of ND Friendship Cup 2026 by 2-1)

A Cup, a Record, and Hopefully a Tradition

178 NOT OUT

55 BALLS

24 SIXES

4 FOURS

323.6 STRIKE RATE

Ram's innings will understandably be the performance remembered from this match.

But the bigger achievement may be simply getting the tournament started.

The first ND Friendship Cup now has its history:

A tied series.
A deciding third match.
A spectacular October setting.
A 245-run team total.
Twenty-four sixes from one batter.
And two cricket communities coming together.

---

Grand Forks Cricket Club

ND Friendship Cup Champions — 2026

Grand Forks Cricket Club 245/3 defeated NDSU Cricket Club 154/6 by 91 runs.

But perhaps the best result from the tournament cannot be found on the scorecard.

Cricket between Grand Forks and Fargo now has a beginning.

Hopefully, this was not simply the first ND Friendship Cup.

Hopefully, it was the first of many.

See you next summer. 🏏🍂

🏏 ND Friendship Cup: GFCC and NDSU with the Series at 1–1

ND Friendship Cup: A Thrilling Start in Fargo

The inaugural ND Friendship Cup began on a Friday evening in Fargo, with the Grand Forks Cricket Club traveling south to meet the NDSU Cricket Team.

There was something special about the occasion. This was more than the first match of a new cricket series. It was a meeting between two growing cricket communities in North Dakota — players and friends from Grand Forks and Fargo coming together, sharing the field, and beginning what everyone hoped would become a lasting cricketing connection.

On September 11, at the Fargo Cricket Ground, the first chapter of the Friendship Cup was about to be written.

A strong start from GFCC

GFCC batted first and had 12 overs to build a competitive total.

The innings was anchored by Prabhjyot, who played an excellent unbeaten knock and remained composed as the innings developed. Around him, Sriram provided an important contribution, helping GFCC push the score forward and giving the team the platform it needed.

By the end of their innings, GFCC had posted 118 runs — a challenging but certainly chaseable target.

The game, however, was far from decided.

NDSU fights back

NDSU began the chase with intent.

The opening overs brought plenty of pressure for GFCC as the NDSU batters attacked the bowling and scored quickly during the powerplay. For a moment, the chase appeared to be moving firmly in NDSU's direction.

GFCC needed someone to change the rhythm of the game.

That moment came through Sriram.

After contributing with the bat, he returned with the ball and produced one of the defining performances of the match. His bowling began to put the NDSU batting lineup under pressure, and wickets started to change the complexion of the chase.

Sriram finished with four wickets — a crucial spell that kept GFCC in the contest when NDSU were beginning to gain control.

But cricket matches are rarely won by one player alone.

Prabhjyot contributed with the ball as well, while Talha, Ijaz, and Pramod kept working through their overs and refused to let the chase become easy. Behind them, the fielders continued to fight for every run.

Kushal provided one of the memorable moments in the field, taking an excellent catch at an important stage of the innings and giving GFCC another reason to believe that the match was still within reach.

Four overs to decide it

As the match entered its final stages, the pressure began to rise.

NDSU needed 22 runs from the last four overs.

Twenty-two runs.

Four overs.

The match had narrowed down to a handful of deliveries, and neither side was willing to give anything away.

For GFCC, every ball became an opportunity to defend the total they had worked so hard to build. For NDSU, the target was still within reach.

The final overs brought the kind of tension that makes cricket so memorable.

GFCC held their nerve.

When the final ball was bowled, the scoreboard confirmed what had been a hard-fought battle: GFCC had won by just four runs.

A beginning worth remembering

The victory gave GFCC a 1–0 lead in the inaugural ND Friendship Cup, but the result was only part of what made the evening memorable.

There were individual performances that stood out — Prabhjyot's unbeaten batting effort, Sriram's four-wicket spell, Kushal's important catch, and the contributions of Talha, Ijaz, and Pramod as GFCC fought through the pressure.

More importantly, the first match established what the Friendship Cup was meant to be.

Two teams from different North Dakota communities had shared a field, competed hard, and enjoyed the game together. Players traveled, friends gathered, and a new connection began between the cricket communities of Grand Forks and Fargo.

The first chapter belonged to GFCC.

But the Friendship Cup had only just begun.

A big thank you to the NDSU Cricket Team and the organizers for hosting GFCC in Fargo and helping make the opening match a memorable one.

📸 Match 1 — Fargo Cricket Ground

GFCC and NDSU players during the first match of the ND Friendship Cup at the Fargo Cricket Ground.

---

🏏 MATCH 2 — NDSU CO

The Friendship Cup Comes to Grand Forks

A week after the opening match in Fargo, the Friendship Cup came north.

On September 19, the NDSU Cricket Team traveled to Grand Forks for the second meeting of the series, with GFCC ready to welcome them at its new home ground.

For GFCC, the occasion carried a little extra meaning. This was not simply another cricket match. It was an opportunity to host the NDSU team in Grand Forks and introduce them to a new chapter in the local cricket community — a new ground built through the support of GF Parks, UND, and community members who have helped cricket continue to grow in the city.

The setting was different from the first match in Fargo, but the spirit was the same. Players from both teams gathered once again, this time with the Grand Forks cricket community watching from the sidelines.

With the series standing at 1–0 after GFCC's narrow victory in Fargo, NDSU arrived looking to level things.

The first step was the toss.

NDSU won the toss and elected to set the course for the second match of the Friendship Cup.

The stage was set in Grand Forks.

GFCC Bat First

With NDSU choosing to field first, GFCC walked out to begin their innings on their new home ground.

Leading the way was captain Ijaz.

From the beginning, Ijaz looked determined to put the NDSU bowlers under pressure. He attacked the ball, found the gaps, and kept the scoreboard moving as GFCC looked to build a strong total in the 15-over contest.

His innings became the foundation of the GFCC effort.

Ijaz scored an aggressive 38 runs from just 19 balls, providing exactly the kind of fast start the team needed.

It was a captain's innings — confident, positive, and full of intent.

With momentum established at the top, the rest of the GFCC batting lineup worked to build on that start and give their bowlers a competitive total to defend.

The runs were on the board.

Now it was time for GFCC's bowlers to take the field and defend them.

NDSU Answers Back

With GFCC's total on the board, it was NDSU's turn.

The visitors began their chase with confidence. The conditions in Grand Forks were new to them, but they settled quickly and kept the required run rate under control.

GFCC knew they needed wickets.

Captain Rakib played an important supporting role, helping NDSU maintain their momentum as the chase developed. At the other end, Opu began to take the game away from GFCC.

Opu's innings was the standout performance of the chase.

He attacked the bowling with confidence, found the boundary regularly, and kept the NDSU innings moving at a rapid pace. His 66 runs from just 33 balls turned the chase firmly in NDSU's favor and gave his team control of the match.

GFCC continued to search for an opening.

Parvej led the bowling effort and worked hard to break the partnership, trying to bring GFCC back into the contest. The bowlers kept looking for that one delivery that could change the momentum, but NDSU's batters continued to find runs.

Eventually, the target was within reach.

NDSU completed the chase in just 11.3 overs, securing a convincing victory and leveling the Friendship Cup.

One Win Each

And so, after two matches, the inaugural ND Friendship Cup stands exactly where neither side can claim the series outright:

GFCC 1 – 1 NDSU

GFCC had taken the opening match in Fargo by just four runs.

A week later, NDSU answered in Grand Forks with a dominant batting performance and a comprehensive chase.

For GFCC, there were lessons from the defeat. For NDSU, there was the satisfaction of responding strongly after the narrow loss in Fargo. And for everyone involved, there was something bigger than the result — two cricket communities had now shared two grounds, two matches, and two memorable days together.

The first Friendship Cup had produced what cricket does best: competition, individual performances, changing momentum, and moments that will be remembered long after the final ball.

Whatever comes next, the opening chapter has ended with the two teams level at 1–1.

A New Ground, A Shared Game

The match also marked an important moment for cricket in Grand Forks.

The new Grand Forks Cricket Ground welcomed NDSU for the second match of the Friendship Cup, giving the local cricket community a place to gather, play, and build something for the future.

As the players came together after the match, the scoreboard told only part of the story.

The other part was in the people around it — teammates, families, supporters, organizers, and friends who came out to watch and share the day.

The Friendship Cup was tied. The friendship was growing.

📸 Team Photo — Grand Forks Cricket Ground

Grand Forks Cricket Club — ND Friendship Cup

When the Cricket Was Over

The final ball was bowled, but the day was not over.

As the players came off the field, the cricket ground slowly turned into a place for conversation, food, laughter, and friendship. Players from both teams, along with supporters, friends, families, and community members, gathered for a potluck and evening get-together.

The intensity of the match gave way to something much more relaxed.

Plates were shared. Stories from the game were revisited. There was plenty of good-natured cricket discussion — the boundaries, the wickets, the catches, the moments that might have changed the game.

For a while, the two teams were simply a group of people enjoying an evening together.

And perhaps that is where the real meaning of the Friendship Cup can be found.

Cricket brought everyone to the ground, but it was the people who made the day special.

More Than a Series

The ND Friendship Cup began with the idea of bringing GFCC and NDSU together for cricket. After two matches, it has already created something beyond the game itself.

Players traveled between Fargo and Grand Forks. New friendships were made. Supporters from different communities shared the sidelines. The connection between the cricket communities — and between the wider UND and NDSU communities — had a chance to grow naturally through something everyone could share: the game of cricket.

On the field, NDSU showed their strength in the new Grand Forks conditions and earned a well-deserved victory. Congratulations to NDSU and to all of their players for a strong performance.

For GFCC, the two matches also brought valuable experiences, memorable individual performances, and plenty to take forward.

Most importantly, both teams walked away with something that cannot be measured on a scoreboard.

The inaugural ND Friendship Cup ends with the series 1–1.

But this first meeting between the two communities feels less like an ending and more like the beginning of a relationship that can continue to grow — through cricket, friendship, and the people who make the game worth playing.

Thank you to the NDSU Cricket Team, GFCC players and supporters, the organizers, UND, GF Parks, and everyone who helped make these two days possible.

And to everyone who shared the field, the sidelines, and the potluck — thank you for being part of the first chapter of the ND Friendship Cup.

The score is 1–1. The memories are shared. And the friendship continues. 🏏🤝

A Farewell to Remember: Emotions, Cricket, and a New Beginning for Grand Forks Cricket Club

Cricket has always been more than just a sport at the Grand Forks Cricket Club (GFCC). It is a community built on friendships, dedication, and countless memories both on and off the field. This special match was not just another fixture on the calendar—it was a heartfelt farewell to two individuals who have been at the heart of the club's success during the 2025–26 season, Saimom and Swaranjit Roy.

Over the past year, both Saimom and Swaranjit have played instrumental roles in organizing, coordinating, and developing cricket at the University of North Dakota and within the Grand Forks community. Their leadership, commitment, and willingness to serve have helped the club grow stronger than ever. Whether it was arranging matches, bringing players together, or ensuring the club continued to thrive, they always stepped forward with enthusiasm and dedication. While they may be moving on to the next chapter of their lives, their contributions will remain a lasting part of GFCC's journey. They will be deeply missed—not only as cricketers but also as friends, and leaders.

GFCC Tigers vs GFCC Pirates – A Match Worthy of the Occasion

The farewell match featured GFCC Tigers taking on GFCC Pirates in an exciting 15-over contest. The Tigers were primarily composed of members from the Bangladeshi Student Association (BDSA) at UND, while the Pirates represented the rest of the Grand Forks Cricket Club. It was a fitting contest, bringing together teammates and friends who have shared many memorable moments over the years.

Winning the toss, the Pirates elected to bat first and immediately got off to a flying start.

Ijaz played a fearless knock at the top of the order, smashing 23 off just 16 balls, taking the attack to the bowlers from the very beginning. At the other end, Talha anchored the innings beautifully with a composed 41 from 39 deliveries, rotating the strike effectively while punishing the loose deliveries. Their partnership laid a solid platform for a competitive total.

The Tigers, however, fought back admirably through disciplined bowling. Parvez maintained excellent control throughout his spell, while Saimom once again demonstrated why he has been one of the club's most dependable all-rounders. Returning figures of 3 overs, 24 runs, and 2 wickets, he consistently broke partnerships and slowed the scoring rate. It was another reminder of the calmness and intelligence he brings to the game. Even on his farewell day, Saimom led from the front, delivering with both skill and composure whenever his team needed him.

Just when the Tigers looked to have regained control, Hashan Kodi changed the momentum completely.

Hashan produced one of the most explosive innings seen this season, blasting 56 runs from only 20 balls. His innings featured 4 boundaries and an astonishing 6 towering sixes, entertaining everyone around the ground with fearless stroke play. Whether it was clearing the ropes straight down the ground or dispatching deliveries over midwicket with effortless power, Hashan was simply unstoppable. His clean ball striking shifted the momentum entirely in the Pirates' favor and ensured they finished strongly. It was an innings full of confidence, power, and timing—one that will be remembered as one of the highlights of the day.

At the end of their 15 overs, the Pirates posted an imposing 158/5, leaving the Tigers with a challenging target of 159 runs.

Swaranjit's Fighting Fifty-Like Contribution Leads the Chase

Chasing 159, the Tigers needed a strong start.

The farewell pair, Saimom and Swaranjit Roy, walked out together to open the innings, drawing warm applause from everyone present. Unfortunately, Saimom's final innings did not go as he would have hoped, departing for 1 from 2 balls. Cricket can be cruel, but his contribution to GFCC has always been much greater than any single innings. His legacy will be remembered far beyond the scoreboard.

With the early wicket, much of the responsibility fell on Swaranjit Roy, and he responded in style.

Swaranjit played a superb innings of 41 from 27 deliveries, combining elegant stroke play with intelligent shot selection. Alongside Sultan, who contributed an important 33 from 24 balls, he rebuilt the innings and gave the Tigers genuine hope of pulling off the chase. Sultan was a former GFCC player and returned to GFCC after an injury for over an year. GFCC family is happy to have him.

Over the years, Swaranjit has developed into one of the finest left-handed batters in the Grand Forks Cricket Club. His technical ability, clean hitting, and composure under pressure have made him one of the most reliable players in the club. Watching his journey—from his early days at GFCC to becoming one of the team's most accomplished batters—has been truly impressive. His innings on farewell day perfectly reflected the quality and maturity he has developed over the years.

The Pirates made life difficult with some inconsistent bowling early on, with wides from Sriram and Ijaz allowing the Tigers to keep pace with the required run rate. However, Talha returned to regain control, bowling disciplined overs during the middle phase that slowed the chase at a crucial stage. A magical spell of Hashan Kodi picking 3 wickets got everything on track again for GFCC Pirates.

Late contributions from Turjo (14 off 11) briefly reignited the Tigers' hopes, while Momit attempted to finish the game with some powerful hitting. Despite their efforts, the Pirates held their nerve in the closing overs, taking wickets at key moments and maintaining their composure under pressure.

The Tigers eventually finished on 144/9 in 15 overs, falling 14 runs short, as the Pirates celebrated a well-earned victory.

Captains Who Led from the Front

Both captains deserve immense credit for their leadership throughout the match.

Leading the Tigers, Saimom once again displayed excellent cricketing awareness with timely bowling changes and tactical field placements. His calm presence has always been one of his greatest strengths, and this match was no different.

On the other side, Serat captained the Pirates for the very first time and impressed everyone with his maturity, confidence, and decision-making. Handling pressure in a close contest is never easy, but he remained composed throughout and guided his team to victory. It was an encouraging start to what promises to be a bright leadership journey.

We hope both captains continue to grow and inspire the next generation of cricketers at GFCC.

A Heartfelt Farewell

Once the match concluded, the atmosphere shifted from competition to emotion.

Players from both teams gathered together to celebrate the contributions of Saimom and Swaranjit Roy. There were handshakes, hugs, smiles, photographs, and heartfelt wishes as teammates reflected on the memories they had shared together over the years.

As a token of appreciation for their remarkable service to the club, Shankar Chaturvedi presented a special memento to Saimom, while Dr. Sunil honored Swaranjit Roy with a similar token of gratitude.

It was a touching moment that reminded everyone that while players may leave, their contributions remain part of the club forever.

A New Chapter for GFCC Leadership

The day also marked an important transition in the leadership of the Grand Forks Cricket Club.

After serving with distinction, Turjo steps down as President. His contribution to building and strengthening GFCC has been exceptional. Under his leadership, the club continued to grow both on and off the field. His innovative ideas—especially introducing winter indoor cricket and box cricket tournaments—proved hugely popular, keeping members engaged throughout the year and attracting even more players to the club. Turjo's dedication, vision, and leadership have left a lasting impact on GFCC, and the club is grateful for everything he has accomplished.

Taking over as the new President is Tahsin, and everyone at GFCC wishes him great success in leading the club into its next chapter.

The club also welcomes Sriram as the Advisor for the 2026–27 season, while Sanowar takes over the role of Treasurer, succeeding Swaranjit Roy.

Meanwhile, Prabhjyot and Ijaz will continue serving as members of the GFCC Executive Committee, providing valuable continuity and experience as the club moves forward.

We wish the entire new executive committee every success. May they continue building on the strong foundation laid by those before them and take the Grand Forks Cricket Club to even greater heights.

Ending on a Sweet Note

As the evening drew to a close and darkness slowly settled over the ground, players and supporters stayed back to enjoy each other's company, reflecting on an unforgettable day filled with cricket, friendship, laughter, and heartfelt goodbyes.

A special thank you goes to Sony Ji for generously sponsoring refreshments and drinks for everyone, helping end the occasion on a warm and joyful note. Your generosity and continued support for the club are greatly appreciated.

Thank You

To everyone who has contributed to the Grand Forks Cricket Club—players, executive members, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, students, and families—thank you for making GFCC a wonderful community.

To Saimom and Swaranjit Roy, thank you for your dedication, leadership, friendship, and countless hours of service. You leave behind a stronger club than the one you joined, and your legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers in Grand Forks.

To Turjo, thank you for your outstanding leadership and vision. To the incoming executive committee led by Tahsin, we wish you every success as you guide GFCC into an exciting new chapter.

Here's to new beginnings, lifelong friendships, and many more memorable seasons of cricket.

Once a part of GFCC, always a part of the GFCC family.

FCC Centurions Crowned NDSU Cricket Tournament 2026 Champions!

 

The FCC Centurions are the champions of the NDSU Cricket Tournament 2026! After dominating the group stage, the Centurions capped off their remarkable campaign with a convincing victory over Bengal Tigers in the final.

Finishing atop the league table and the tournament's best net run rate (+6.58), FCC Centurions proved throughout the competition why they were the team to beat. Their consistency, depth, and fearless brand of cricket made them worthy champions.

Bengal Tigers Post a Competitive Total

Batting first, Bengal Tigers posted a respectable 100/4 in their allotted 10 overs. Zuganto Khan provided an explosive start with 20 off just 9 balls, while MD Saimon MIA anchored the innings with 22 runs from 19 deliveries. Ignatious Tonmoy D Rozario played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 31 off 22 balls, striking four boundaries and two towering sixes to take his side to the three-figure mark.

However, FCC Centurions never allowed Bengal Tigers to completely take control of the innings.

Sunil Pasham Turns the Match

The game-changing spell came from Sunil Pasham, who produced one of the finest bowling performances of the tournament. His figures of 3 wickets for just 18 runs in 2 overs included the crucial dismissals of Zuganto Khan, Md Sultan Mahmud, and Haseeb Amjad. His disciplined bowling broke Bengal Tigers' momentum at critical moments and restricted what could have been a much bigger total.

Ihsan Khan also chipped in with an important wicket while maintaining an economy rate of just 7.00, helping apply pressure in the death overs.

Best Bowler of the Match: Sunil Pasham (2-1-18-3)

A Ruthless Chase by the Champions

If FCC's bowling was clinical, their batting was nothing short of spectacular.

The Centurions chased down the target in just 7.4 overs, scoring 105/3 at an incredible run rate of 13.70. From the very beginning, FCC displayed aggressive intent.

Umar Ali got the innings off to a flying start, smashing 21 runs from only 9 deliveries, including two huge sixes. Although his innings was cut short, he laid the perfect platform for what was to come.

Then came the Talha Tufaique show.

Walking in at a crucial stage, Talha dismantled the Bengal Tigers bowling attack with a breathtaking unbeaten 37 off just 14 balls. His innings included two fours and four massive sixes at a staggering strike rate of 264.29. The defining moment came in the sixth over when he plundered 19 runs, putting the game firmly beyond Bengal Tigers' reach.

Ihsan Khan provided the perfect finishing touch with an unbeaten 23 runs from only 8 balls. His late assault featured two boundaries and two towering sixes, finishing with a phenomenal strike rate of 287.50. Together, Talha and Ihsan ensured there would be no late drama in the final.

Match-Winning Performances

• Talha Tufaique: 37* (14), 2 fours and 4 sixes.
• Ihsan Khan: 23* (8), 2 fours and 2 sixes.
• Umar Ali: 21 (9), 1 four and 2 sixes.
• Sunil Pasham: 3 wickets for 18 runs in 2 overs.

Talha Tufaique was deservedly both Player of the Match and Best Batter of the Match for his explosive match-winning knock.

Champions Through and Through

FCC Centurions' triumph was not built on one performance alone—it was the result of teamwork throughout the tournament. Their dominance in both the group stages and the final showcased their balance in batting, bowling, and fielding.

From Sunil's devastating spell with the ball to Talha's fearless batting and Ihsan's finishing flourish, the final perfectly reflected what FCC Centurions have represented throughout the tournament—confidence, composure, and championship mentality.

Final Score

• Bengal Tigers: 100/4 (10 Overs)
• FCC Centurions: 105/3 (7.4 Overs)

FCC Centurions won by 8 wickets and are crowned NDSU Cricket Tournament 2026 Champions!

Congratulations to every player, supporter, and member of Fargo Cricket Club. This victory is a testament to the team's hard work, dedication, and passion for the game.

Champions today. Building a legacy for tomorrow. Go FCC Centurions!



Full Scoreboard Link

Bengal Tigers Storm into NDSU Cricket Tournament Final with Four-Wicket Victory

Bengal Tigers booked their place in the NDSU Cricket Tournament 2026 Final after registering a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Grand Forks Cricket Club (GFCC) at Fargo Cricket Club on Friday.

The win was built on outstanding performances from Md Sultan Mahmud and Zuganto Khan, while Ijaz Khan almost engineered a remarkable comeback with the ball. Despite ending on the losing side, Swaranjit Roy was one of the standout performers of the match with a fluent innings that kept GFCC competitive throughout.

Swaranjit Leads the GFCC Fight

Batting first, Grand Forks Cricket Club posted 81/8 in their allotted overs. The innings revolved around an aggressive 34 off 22 balls from Swaranjit Roy, whose innings featured crisp boundaries and towering sixes. His positive approach ensured GFCC had a fighting total despite regular wickets at the other end.

 

The turning point with the ball came from Md Sultan Mahmud, who produced a sensational spell of 2 wickets for just 8 runs in three overs. Bowling with excellent control, Sultan dismantled the middle and lower order to prevent GFCC from posting a bigger score.

Bengal Tigers Hold Their Nerve

Chasing 82, Bengal Tigers looked comfortable for much of the innings. Zuganto Khan anchored the chase with a composed 35 off 29 deliveries, while Sultan completed an excellent all-round display with a valuable 20 runs.

Just when the chase appeared straightforward, Ijaz Khan produced a brilliant spell of fast bowling. He finished with 3 wickets for 22 runs, removing key batters and dragging GFCC back into the contest.

GFCC also had opportunities in the field that could have changed the outcome. Captain Kalbin Salim Turjo spilled a straightforward catch during the chase, a costly miss in such a closely fought game.

The drama reached its peak in the final over. With 4 runs needed from 2 balls, Ignetious Tonmoy D Rozario drove the ball firmly through the covers. It presented a difficult catching opportunity for Sriram Prabhakara Rao, who was unable to hold on, and the ensuing misfield allowed the ball to race away for the match-winning boundary. The four sealed a memorable four-wicket victory and sparked celebrations in the Bengal Tigers camp.

Sultan and Ijaz Shine

While Swaranjit Roy's batting was the backbone of the GFCC innings, the match ultimately belonged to Md Sultan Mahmud, whose all-round performance proved decisive. His outstanding bowling figures of 2/8 laid the foundation for victory before his crucial runs helped Bengal Tigers stay ahead in the chase. He was also the man of the match.

For Grand Forks, Ijaz Khan deserves immense praise for his relentless effort with the ball. His three-wicket spell transformed what looked like a routine chase into a thrilling finish and nearly pulled off an improbable victory for his side.

Bengal Tigers Reach the Final

The victory sends Bengal Tigers into the NDSU Cricket Tournament Final, where they will look to carry this momentum into the championship match.

Grand Forks Cricket Club still have one league fixture remaining against Fargo Smash Force tomorrow. While the match is now only a formality in terms of qualification, GFCC will be eager to finish their campaign strongly and build on the encouraging performances of Swaranjit Roy and Ijaz Khan.

 

Full scoreboard

Fargo Cricket Club Clinches Victory Over Grand Forks in a Spirited Sunday Encounter

Richard's West Park, Grand Forks | NDSU Cricket Tournament 2026

Despite football world cup finals taking place today, cricket lovers turned out in good numbers on Sunday morning at Richard's West Park for an exciting clash between Fargo Cricket Club (FCC Centurions) and Grand Forks Cricket Club (GFCC). It was Fargo's third match of the NDSU Cricket Tournament and Grand Forks' second outing in the round-robin competition.

The fixture was extra special as it marked the first meeting between the two clubs at Richard's West Park in nearly two years. It was a reunion of old friends, familiar teammates, and passionate cricketers who came together to celebrate the game.

Throughout the morning and after the match, players from both teams enjoyed breakfast bagels, refreshing watermelon, soft drinks, and pizza, making the day about much more than just cricket. The hospitality and camaraderie reflected the close bond shared between the two clubs.

Fargo Posts a Challenging Total

Winning the toss, Fargo Cricket Club elected to bat first and made the most of the opportunity. The innings was built around a magnificent performance from Umar Ali, who smashed 53 runs from just 27 balls, including four sixes and two boundaries. His aggressive yet composed innings set the tone for Fargo and deservedly earned him the Player of the Match award.

Umar was well supported by Ahmadsiar Akbari, whose quickfire 13 featured two towering sixes, while Talha Tufaique provided a blistering finish with an unbeaten 32 off just 14 deliveries, striking two sixes and three fours. Ihsan Khan also contributed valuable runs and rotated the strike effectively as FCC finished on a competitive 124/4 in 10 overs.

For Grand Forks, Haseeb Amjad was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Prabhjyot Chavan also claimed two wickets in the closing overs to keep Fargo's total within reach.

Grand Forks Show Determination

Chasing a target of 125, Grand Forks suffered a few early setbacks that made the chase increasingly difficult. However, the team continued to play positively and looked for opportunities to build partnerships. Haseeb Amjad led the counterattack with a brisk 15, while Prabhjyot Chavan remained unbeaten on 19 from 12 balls, entertaining spectators with a six and some elegant stroke play. Hashan Kodippilige added 11 valuable runs. Although the required run rate kept climbing and the target eventually proved out of reach, Grand Forks never stopped competing and displayed admirable determination throughout the chase.

Fargo's bowling attack maintained relentless pressure from the outset. Sunil Pasham and Bilal JW each claimed three wickets, while Sher Khan Zazai and Ihsan Khan chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. Sharp fielding, highlighted by an excellent run-out involving Talha Tufaique and Ramesh Selvamuthu, helped restrict Grand Forks to 83/7, sealing a convincing 41-run victory for Fargo.

Cricket Beyond the Scoreboard

The match was observed by Shakil from the NDSU Cricket Committee, who appreciated the competitive yet friendly spirit displayed by both teams. While Fargo emerged victorious, Grand Forks earned praise for their resilience, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the contest.

The reunion of players after nearly two years at Grand Forks, the shared refreshments, and the friendly atmosphere made this much more than just another league fixture. It was another memorable day for the growing cricket community in North Dakota.

Grand Forks Cricket Club will next face Bengal Tigers and Fargo Smash Fort as the tournament continues, while Fargo Cricket Club looks to carry its winning momentum into the remaining round-robin fixtures.

Congratulations to Fargo Cricket Club on a well-deserved victory, and best wishes to Grand Forks Cricket Club for the matches ahead. May all clubs continue to strengthen the game of cricket in North Dakota through competitive cricket, friendship, and outstanding sportsmanship.

Scoreboard link

Grand Forks Cricket Club Opens NDSU Cricket Tournament 2026 with a Confident Victory

Grand Forks Cricket Club (81/2) defeated Royals Titans (80/7) by 6 wickets ( 9 players games) in the opening match of the NDSU Cricket Tournament 2026, organized by the NDSU Cricket Club, at Richard's West Park on a hot Saturday morning.

Winning the toss, Royals Titans elected to bat first but were immediately put under pressure by the disciplined opening spell from Prabhjyot Chavan and Hashan Menaka. Prabhjyot struck first by dismissing Tanmay Mahmud, while Menaka produced a match-winning spell, removing Md Tanbir Khan, Bakht Alam Khan, and later the well-set Md Zahid Hasan, finishing with 3 wickets for just 18 runs. His consistent line and length earned him the Player of the Match award.

Although Md Zahid Hasan anchored the Royals innings brilliantly with 28 runs, showing excellent composure and timing, wickets kept falling around him. Rafat Safayet added a few useful runs before being bowled by Sriram Prabhakara Rao, while Pramod Polimari wrapped up the innings with the dismissal of Shafi Istiak. Royals Titans finished on 80/7 in 10 overs.

The fielding effort from Grand Forks Cricket Club was outstanding. A spectacular catch by Hashan Kodippilige and another superb catch by Pramod Polimari proved to be major turning points in the match, lifting the team's energy at crucial moments. The sharp run-out involving Hashan Menaka further tightened Grand Forks' grip on the game.

Chasing 81, Grand Forks Cricket Club never looked under pressure. Swaranjit Roy anchored the innings with an unbeaten 26, while Ijaz Khan, back in form, played a fluent and aggressive knock of 31 off just 19 balls, smashing three sixes and a four to take the game away from the opposition. Their 65-run opening partnership set the perfect platform before Bappi Rahman briefly brought Royals Titans back into the contest by dismissing Ijaz and later Sriram Prabhakara Rao, who contributed a quick 10 runs, including a six. Hashan Kodippilige finished the chase with Swaranjit as Grand Forks reached 81/2 in just 8.5 overs, sealing a comfortable victory.

While the result was convincing, Grand Forks Cricket Club will look to improve one aspect before the next game. The team conceded 29 extras, including 23 wides, which kept Royals Titans in the contest longer than necessary. Tightening bowling discipline will be an important focus going forward.

(Video Link)

The Player of the Match trophy was presented to Hashan Menaka by Job Eliazer for his outstanding bowling performance.

Grand Forks Cricket Club extends sincere thanks to David Solomon, Job Eliazer, and Dr. Durga Prasad Panda for their continued support and sponsorship of the team and the tournament. Appreciation also goes to the match officials, Shakil and Bappa, for officiating the game.

Despite the hot weather, both teams displayed excellent sportsmanship throughout the match. The day concluded with friendly handshakes, watermelon, pizza, and soft drinks shared by players from both sides, reflecting the true spirit of cricket.

Grand Forks Cricket Club now looks ahead to another exciting challenge against Fargo Cricket Club on Sunday at 9:00 AM. Even with the FIFA World Cup Final taking place later in the day, the team hopes to see another strong turnout to support local cricket.

Full Scoreboard