Somerset Cricket Foundation Hosts Tape Ball Challenge at Yeovil Together 2025
Somerset Cricket Foundation proudly hosted a Tape Ball Cricket Challenge as part of the Annual Yeovil Together – Somerset Diverse Communities event at Westlands, Yeovil.
This was the third time the Foundation has delivered a cricket event specifically tailored for players of Bangladeshi heritage, many of whom enjoy social cricket on Sundays. The concept was simple: cricket, their way—played in a familiar and fun format. Parvez, one of the community leaders, expressed a desire for a Tape Ball Challenge—and the group brought their own bats and specially taped tennis balls to make it happen.
Fifteen players took part, and teams were drawn for a 7-a-side match (with one player rotating between both teams), featuring 12 overs per innings and a maximum of four overs per bowler. Thanks to the support of Yeovil Cricket Club, the game was played on the club’s main square.
The two sides were captained by Parvez (Yeovil Tigers) and Rasel (Yeovil Titans). The Titans won the toss and opted to field.
The Tigers made a steady start with contributions from Parvez (11) and Suhel (13), but it was Numan’s explosive 47, including six fours and a six, that ignited the innings. The Tigers finished on 87 for 5 from their 12 overs.
In response, Titans skipper Rasel (32 not out) opened the innings alongside Russell (20), putting together a confident run chase. Despite a strong bowling performance from Miad, who delivered three economical overs, the Tigers were hampered by conceding 26 wides. The Titans chased down the target with an over to spare in what was a closely contested and good-spirited match.
After the game, Mustafa Shaikh, SCF Community Activation Officer and match umpire, thanked Parvez and all the players for their sportsmanship and enthusiasm. Fellow umpire and scorer Malcolm Pressley Smith gave a short match summary, commending Numan for his batting and Miad for his bowling.
Special guest Sunil Lachit, an overseas player visiting from Assam, presented commemorative medallions to all participants and handed the winners’ cup to Rasel and the Yeovil Titans.
Players then enjoyed a post-match chicken biryani, kindly provided by the group, and took time to explore the wider multicultural celebration and activities on offer at Westlands Entertainment Centre.
The event was another brilliant example of how cricket can connect communities and celebrate diversity. Plans are already in motion for the 2025 Tape Ball Challenge, scheduled for July 2026, and there is strong interest in organising more Sunday social tape ball fixtures in the coming months.
Somerset Cricket Foundation extends sincere thanks to Jusna Mustafa from Somerset Diverse Communities and Alomgir Parvez for their invaluable help in bringing the event together. Special thanks also to Yeovil Cricket Club for once again hosting what has become a highlight of the Yeovil Together celebration.
Interested in Tape Ball Cricket?
If you’re part of a group interested in playing social tape ball cricket, please get in touch:
📧 Mustafa Shaikh – Community Activation Officer
📞 mustafa.shaikh@somersetcricketfoundation.org | 07385 818493
