TCC wins a close encounter

TCC started the 2008 season with a close 2-wkt win over KMCC. The weather was perfect to play cricket. We would like to thank Neal (MOCC) and Salman (Anzacs) for agreeing to umpire in this rescheduled match.

KMCC won the toss and elected to bat first. Even though Shahid was out without bothering the scorers, Salman Afzal was his usual aggressive self carting all the bowlers with utter disdain. KMCC were cruising at 10 runs an over ‘til Vijay got the better of Salman yet again with Anand taking a good catch behind the stumps. Majid and Suhail were content on playing the waiting game. Sundar got rid of Majid and Suhail in quick succession and KMCC soon collapsed to 149 / 7 from a healthy 111 / 2, but thanks to some lackluster bowling (our largesse with 36 extras) and fielding, they were able to help themselves to a healthy 222. Sundar got his first five-for, Vijay finished up with 3 wickets. Debutant stumper Anand Pitti snapped up 4 catches with some excellent work behind the stumps.

TCC started the chase in confident fashion with veteran Ravi and Anand B. adding 39 runs in no time with some good shots. Anand fell trying to clear mid-off and Muki followed suit. Vijay and Ravi stemmed the rot and put on a good 56-run partnership. Vijay fell trying to break the shackles and Shibu mistimed an intended flick giving Usman 2 wickets. Rajesh hit some lusty blows in his 29 and was adjudged lbw when he looked like wrapping things up for us. KMCC sensed an opening and claimed Sundar’s wicket right away. Uchil entertained us briefly, but fell trying one too many pulls. When Ravi was adjudged lbw to Kamran for a superb 82, we were staring down the barrel needing 31 more runs, but with just 2 wickets in hand. Amar and Anand Pitti took the attack to KMCC and put together one heck of a match-winning partnership. They stayed calm amidst the encouraging words from the pavilion and constant chirping from the fielders around them and pulled off a great win. As a compliment, KMCC’s overall fielding and catching was a revelation indeed.

Go TCC!!

Umpiring was fair and consistent through out the match.

MoM - Ravi