Aravind's classy ton proves too good for COCC

TCC defeated COCC in a high-scoring game at Shiloh on Sunday, 26th June 2005. 470 runs were scored in a day, predominantly in 4s and 6s. Aravind Narayanan, TCC's captain, stole the limelight with a brilliant maiden century. His all-round performance starting with a 91-ball blitzkrieg and a 3-wicket haul later proved to be COCC's nemesis. Thanks to Niranjan and Pratik from DCC for officiating this game and Riaz for helping out with scoring and ordering the lunch.

COCC arrived early regardless of the long drive up from Columbia. Given COCC's run this season, we had sized them up pretty good. TCC won the toss and elected to bat first without any hesitation and the match started off at noon amidst a drizzle. Aravind and Sundar opened the batting for us while Dipak and Marlyn opened the bowling for COCC. While the odd away-going ball troubled the batsmen, runs seemed to come along at a nice rate. Sundar was the first one to be dismissed caught at mid-off by Dipak off Marlyn. Syed and Aravind carried the score along to 65 with the latter doing the bulk of the scoring. In fact, Aravind notched up his fifty in the bargain. Marriage seemed to have done some wonders for Aravind because he seemed determined to send the opposition on a leather hunt. Syed went for a wild heave and was bowled off Nikhil for 7 with the score reading 1 for 65. Shibu, another newly-wed joined the skipper with the goal of stemming the rot. An array of exquisitely timed shots followed from both their willows. Shibu's signature square-drives and flicks bisected the fielders whilst Aravind's Dravid-ish (if you will) off-drives left the opposition unmoved. Shibu's effortless six over mid-off will be remembered for a long time. In 15 overs, the pair had amassed 136 runs without really trying to accelerate. Shibu fell for a superb 65 caught at cover by Marlyn when he finally tried to go after the bowling. Aravind notched up his century a little later. The team gave a standing ovation to the skipper not only because this was a fabulous knock but also because it had been long overdue, given his cricketing abilities. Rajesh belted a few including a huge six and was out at 221. Charan was bowled first ball trying to late-cut Nikhil and was undone by the nippy pace. Aravind was cramping on his right hand meanwhile due to the heat, but continued to soldier on determined not to give up the initiative. He was finally out leg-before for a career-best (so far) 126 off 91 balls trying a tired heave off Marlyn who seemed to be the pick of the bowlers. The rest of the batsmen didn't have a choice but to swing at everything. Uchil managed to swing a couple into Mr.Barbee's famed backyard and we wrapped up at 254 for 8.

The threat of rain loomed large when COCC started the chase. We desperately wanted to finish the match with a result (of course a win) without letting it become just a batting practice for us. Pranav and Marlyn opened the batting for COCC while Aravind and Manoj shared the new ball for us. They started to go after us from the word go since they knew that the pressure would be too much to handle in the later overs, given that they had to chase upwards of 8 an over. Both batsmen played good cricketing shots, of course thanks to some wayward bowling on our part. They had racked up 40 runs in 4 overs. Thankfully, Aravind secured the first breakthrough and accounted for Marlyn. Just when we thought that things would slow down, Cordel made his intentions very clear depositing Sundar's slower one into the trees. With veteran Pranav at the other end supporting him, Cordel decided to take the bull by the horns. Both played beautifully till the first drinks break and they had amassed 98 runs off 11 overs. I dismissed Pranav for a well-made 36 right after the break caught in the crease playing across the line. Keyur, the leftie, who has been in good form for COCC seemed fluent with his driving. Just when things were starting to stabilize, a terrible mix-up ensued between them and Keyur was run-out stranded halfway down the pitch trying a non-existent second run. Cashif fired in the throw into Neeraj's gloves and he did the rest. As it happens most of the time, a well-set Cordel followed having been caught behind off Manoj who had returned for his second spell. Bhald and Dipak tried to consolidate, but the run-rate continued to climb much to their chagrin. Bhald had a lucky reprieve off my bowling dropped by Neeraj who got his glove to the nick during his 30-odd partnership with Dipak. Bhald was eventually caught by Charan off Aravind and Dipak was taken by Rajesh at long-on off Manoj. COCC's skipper JD was cleaned up by Manoj and we thought it was all over. Nikhil showed that the game isn't over till it is really over with a breezy 25 off 12 balls. Charan's slower ones bamboozled COCC's tail and Nikhil's top-edge was well-caught by Neeraj running backwards toward fine-leg. COCC folded up at 216. Manoj and Aravind topped the wickets tally.

MoM - Aravind N. for his stellar 126 and 3 wickets.

Another view :

Brilliant. dazzling. Mesmerizing. Compelling.Elegance. Class. Brave. Conscientious. Beautiful. Graceful yet aggressive. Great timing. All these words are hallmarks of Aravind's score of 126 against COCC. As an opener with electrifying start, Aravind went on assaulting COCC blowers, smashing everything and everyone. SEVERE pain in his right arm did not hinder him a bit. Along with a coordination of Bat-to-Ball, straightness of his Slazenger blade, with sexy straight drives, hitting sixers and fours on long-on, long-off, deep-midwicket and square-leg boundaries, Aravind, aced his amazing innings of 126 runs with style and calm.

Even in the field, with his threatening bowling attack, which got him 3 crucial wickets, Aravind was breaking through, always in the game, cheerleading, celebrating, if fielding afar on the boundary; he has been in it, exhorting and praising each member of his squad for their hardwork.

Aravind proved himself as a brave, determined, understanding, and a team-oriented Captain. Indeed, Captain Aravind was a slave to his desire; a desire to see Team Triangle Cricket Club WIN!!!