09/29/2025
𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒂 𝑳𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝑾𝒊𝒏
The rainy season might be around the corner, but even the rain gods seemed to agree that this final had to go ahead without interruption.
Comrades won the toss and, backing their star-studded batting lineup that had delivered all season, chose to bat first. Their intent was clear from the got-go as they unleashed some explosive shots. But the Braves didn’t panic. They knew JDF is a high-scoring pitch, and they trusted their bowlers to deliver with discipline. And deliver they did.
Every bowler (Harsha AKA destroyer, Tilan AKA hammer, Shanka AKA silent assassin, Darshana AKA game changer, and Arosha AKA sniper) stuck to the plan, hitting the right lengths, cutting down the boundaries, and frustrating the Comrades’ hitters. The bowling unit was backed up by sharp fielding, with Shanka’s double strike (a brilliant catch and a key wicket with the ball) swinging the momentum. Comrades were eventually restricted to 136, a total that looked just below par given the pitch and Braves’ explosive batting depth.
The chase didn’t start smoothly. Both openers fell early, and the Braves quickly found themselves three down. For most teams, that would have spelled disaster in a final. But not the Braves. That’s when the magic began. Nilan AKA finisher walked in to join Kabir AKA rock. Together, they built a partnership that was a masterclass in controlled aggression. They respected Comrade’s key bowlers rotating the strike and punishing anything loose. Kabir, who had been waiting for his big moment all season, stood tall and delivered exactly when his team needed it most. Nilan, true to his reputation, lit up the ground with fearless stroke play, sending the ball to every nook and corner of the ground.
Their magnificent 83-run stand set the stage to this historic win, and Braves finished the chase with 5 balls to spare.
But this victory was more than just about the 11 on the field. It was a collective roar from the entire Lions’ pride. Over 40 friends, families, and supporters turned JDF into a true Lions’ Den, cheering every run, every stop, and every wicket. Their energy fueled the players and made the win even sweeter.
The Braves didn’t just end the season. They ended it with heart, unity, and an unforgettable roar. A finale that proved once again: when the Lions play as one, nothing can silence them.
