TCC wins by 14 runs against KMCC
Well, in the end, it was a sweet taste of victory and to a larger extent relief for TCC to land another one in the bag. The teams delivered a very close finish and an entertaining spectacle. TCC had lost its way chasing a meager target in the last game and that was evident by the shape all the players were in. They really wanted to turn the corner for sure in this game. We would like to thank DCC for officiating in the game in such an effective manner, hardly any player from either team felt disgruntled with umpiring decisions.
TCC won the toss and opted to bat. Prashant stepped in to replace irreplaceable Aravind at the top of order along with Ravi. The openers were looking good and then Omer made one ball move enough to beat Ravi and clip top of the stumps. Prashant also didn’t last long and was wrapped on the pads. Then, Sundar and Anand started the repair job. The bowlers were asking questions from both the batsmen and at the same time keeping the scorers busy with extras. There were nice shots in posting a 50 partnership. At the first drinks break, TCC had 69/2 in 12 and batsman looked well set for a biggie. Alas, that didn’t happen and Sundar holed out to mid-off. Anand hit an awesome straight six that sailed into the woods, but was foxed by the wily Salman.M the very next ball. Shibu and Vijay appeared determined to stay long in the middle. Shibu made maximum use of bad balls and dispatched them with ease. Vijay inside-edged a slower ball to his stumps and in walked the rookie keeper Sridhar. He was shaping up well with his nudges, but fell to a brilliant reflex catch by Shuja. Vihari stepped in as ideal partner to a settled Shibu. Vihari rotated strike with great poise. Shibu kept on utilizing all the big-scoring opportunities. There was another 50 partnership and Shibu soon notched up his fifty though got out soon after that. Vihari rallied the lower order around him. With right application and sense, TCC achieved two important targets, batting out 35 overs and crossing 200 runs mark. KMCC bowlers contributed generously with regular doses of wides.
Salman M. and Shahid started in the required way in pursuit of the target. Sundar and Amar opened the bowling, but Salman.M was in a destructive mood and hit some lusty blows. These shots summoned Vijay and Samir A. earlier into the attack than anticipated. Salman was in great touch, but Samir got one to cut in that kept a shade low thus fetching TCC the first blow. Salman.A joined in the party with Shahid. The attacking shots were a treat to watch and 70 odd were put in no time. Shahid was bit late in to complete one of the easiest singles and Sridhar while displaying excellent presence of mind ran from behind the stumps to backward square leg and secured a direct hit. Vijay accounted for Salman.A soon after thus getting TCC the much-wanted opening in the middle order. KMCC batsmen kept the scoreboard ticking with occasional shots to the fence. The bowlers kept the right pressure. Anand was magnificent and deservedly took 4 wickets. KMCC were 8 down with 59 to get in last 10 overs. Shuja and Omer realized the need of hour and batted sensibly. With less than 20 needed, Vihari delivered the killer blow by castling Omer. Vijay completed the victory by picking up the last imp wicket. It was agonizingly close, almost to the wire. TCC held their nerves and emerged victorious. Bowlers did great work and they were very well backed by the fielders. The confidence and belief from this win will surely help in the grueling season ahead.
Go TCC !
MoM - Shibu (50; 3-0-13-1) & Anand (25; 7-0-27-4).
