Credits :- Kosnews Ghana
Tema Sports Stadium witnessed a thrilling conclusion to the Champions Trophy 2025, where GT Shaheen claimed victory by defeating Salt N Pepper by six wickets in the final match. The tournament, held on January 7, brought together top teams and showcased exceptional talent and competitive spirit.
Salt N Pepper won the toss and elected to bat first in the Finale match. However, their innings faltered against GT Shaheen’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. The team struggled to build momentum, especially after their captain Mukesh Mohan was forced to retired hurt due to an injury. Junaid Ahmed contributed 11 runs off 16 balls, and Halim’s quickfire 14 runs off 6 balls provided some resistance. Despite their efforts, Salt N Pepper managed only 37 for 5 in the allotted six overs, falling short of their expectations.
In response, GT Shaheen delivered a commanding performance with the bat. Suraj Poojary led the charge with 19 runs off 12 balls, showcasing excellent shot selection and placement. Rizwan Shakir’s explosive 16 runs off 7 balls added to the momentum, ensuring a comfortable chase. The target was reached in just 4.4 overs with the loss of two wickets, sealing GT Shaheen’s emphatic victory. Suraj Poojary’s pivotal role earned him the Man of the Match award in the final.
From the group stage itself, all the matches were thrilling and attracted a large crowd from the beginning. Fans cheered their favorite teams, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the stadium. The league started on Sunday, January 5, and concluded on January 7, providing a fast-paced and action-packed cricketing spectacle.
The tournament also recognized individual brilliance with special awards. Mukesh Mohan of Salt N Pepper was named the Most Valuable Player for his consistent performances throughout the event, including a remarkable 10-wicket haul, which also secured him the Best Bowler award. Dilip from Fearless Fighters claimed the Best Batsman honor, scoring 84 runs across four matches with an impressive strike rate. Arun Sankar of Rafmoh Warriors was awarded Best Fielder for his exceptional fielding skills, including stunning catches and precise throws that saved crucial runs.
The awards were delivered to the winners at the podium in a grand ceremony. The winners’ trophy was exceptionally large and impressive, capturing the significance of the achievement. This marked the first time any organizers delivered such a fantastic trophy to the champions, elevating the standards of the tournament.
The winners, GT Shaheen, were awarded a cash prize of 10,000 GHC along with the prestigious trophy, while the runner-up, Salt N Pepper, received 5,000 GHC and a trophy. These prizes highlighted the importance of the tournament and the organizers’ commitment to recognizing excellence.
The tournament was arranged by Royal Star Tema with the support of Salt N Pepper, Dunamis Shipping and Logistics, JK Industries, MOI, Sulthan Brothers, The Master Cut, and Fresh City Mart. Their combined efforts ensured a seamless event with top-notch facilities and arrangements.
Twelve teams participated in the highly competitive tournament, including Blue Diamond, GT Shaheen, Rafmoh Warriors, Fearless Fighters, Swami Sports, Tema Royals, Kora D2 JK Spikers, Accra Titans, Ultimate Stars Lapaz, DPS, Salt N Pepper, Pak Zalmi, LJ Warriors, Lele Challengers, and Royal Stars Tema. Each match showcased intense competition, strategic gameplay, and remarkable performances, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
The Champions Trophy 2025 celebrated cricketing excellence and sportsmanship, leaving fans entertained and participants motivated for future competitions. GT Shaheen’s triumph highlights their consistency and skill, marking them as a formidable force in the cricketing arena. The tournament’s success has set a new benchmark for future editions, promising even more excitement and higher levels of competition.
