TCC defeats CCC comprehensively by a whopping 152 runs

After being “flicxed” in the previous encounter at NCSU, TCC was more than eager to play on a surface that had a regulation bounce with the odd ball keeping low versus the opposite. We would like to thank Hardik and Neeraj from CWCC for officiating in this match.

With temperatures hovering around 103F, the conditions were sapping to say the least. We ensured that we had lots of Gatorade and water on hand besides requesting the services of Sundar and Srinivas who helped out a lot as 12th and 13th men respectively. Rajesh won the toss and elected to bat first. CCC bowled a restrictive line and had us reeling at 23/3 after 6 overs with Ravi, Muki and Shibu back in the hut. Uchil stepped on the gas and offie Shankar’s first over went for 25 runs giving us the much-needed impetus. He fell to a good catch off Praveen and we were 89/4 still not out of the woods. Meanwhile, Aravind seemed undeterred at the other end continuing his love affair with the CCC attack. Short balls were carted into the trees on both sides while his driving was exquisite. Vijay and Aravind have had many a partnership in the past and they did it yet again knitting 83 invaluable runs for the 5th wicket. That pretty much took the wind out of the CCC sail. Vijay fell lbw to Praveen for 27 runs. Aravind notched up his first century of the season eventually falling for a superb 112. Rajesh, Nutty and the rest of the batters continued to pester the bowlers and we finished at a healthy 243. Veteran Praveen finished with 5 wickets for CCC.

Chicken Shawarmas and Falafels were consumed for lunch and the break was much appreciated. The ground felt like a cauldron with no breeze whatsoever. CCC started the chase opting to send pinch hitter Pinku up the order to inject some urgency. After seeing off a few wides in Vijay’s second over, Vishwas drove one right back to the bowler who accepted the return catch with glee. Rakesh came back with venom in his 2nd over and castled Pinku with a ball that kept low. CCC’s middle order was squeezed constantly thanks to some accurate bowling from Amar and especially Shibu who troubled them with his loopy leg-spin. Nutty and Uchil continued the good work giving nothing away. High catching was a revelation with Rajesh, Muki and Aravind taking some great skiers in the deep. Shibu captured a maiden five-for, while Amar finished with 3 wickets.

MoM – Aravind for a superb 112