The 2nd XI had a drama packed day of cricket as they secure a crucial win over their Sri Lankan rivals. The unfamiliar looking MTSSC were asked to bat, in what turned out to be a low scoring game. However, SKLPCC did NOT go about the run chase with fluency or flamboyancy.
The 2nd XI had a superb day on the field, bowling with intent and fielding with intent intensity. Akshay Patel started off with an excellent opening spell, taking a wicket in his first quota of 7 overs. On the other end Mayur ‘Maggie’ Hirani was looking at his best, bowling intelligently with the odd variation ball that kept the batsmen at bay. It was unfortunate to see a couple chances go down off Mayur’s bowling, however, he can only blame himself. Mayur was rewarded with a well-earned wicket in his first spell. Amongst the disciplined bowling, the fielding display was above par, with Naran ‘Baps’ Lalji giving the batmen a shocking surprise with his strong arm claiming a run out.
SKLPCC carried forth with great momentum, taking wickets at regular intervals. Both the spinners bogged down the middle order – Nayur Arjan took two wickets for 30 from 13 overs and Naresh Joshi took one wicket for 31 from 8 overs. The latter part of the innings saw an excellent display of death bowling. Akshay Patel returned for a further 3 overs, where he took three wickets. He was even on a HATRICK! Nine wickets downs, Mayur Hirani finished up the innings, with an easy caught and bowled. At least Mags took one of the three caught and bowled chances he had.
MTSSC, finished up the innings with 130 on the board. The SKLPCC boys went to tea fully focused with the prospects of chasing down this low score. Ashish Patel and Muks Halai, started off well, scoring 47 in 12 overs before Ashish was trapped in front, LBW for 38. Muks Halai, was looking good at the other end before playing an aggressive shot, getting caught on the offside. Jesant Halai snipped away getting 16 before being bowled. Naran Lalji looked comfortable before getting out LBW to MTSSC’s pace man. At 78 for 4 the SKLPCC middle order did not add much to the scorecard, with Muks Hirani and Kam Pindolia going for ducks, and Kesh getting out to a good delivery for 9. Nayur Arjan played in his confident style adding 15 to the score before getting out caught at mid-off. At 103 for 8, it was up to Akshay Patel and Naresh Joshi to score an additional 28 runs for the win. Akshay batted wisely, without giving any of the strategically placed MTSSC fielders a chance of a catch, whilst Naresh held down one end. Akshay finished off the game in style scoring a four to give the 2nd XI their first win (Akshay – 21 not out and Naresh – not out).
The 2nd XI head off to Hanwell this week, with many lessons learnt and a little more confidence after opening their account with a win over MTSSC.