On a rain forecast day, we took our chances and marched to our home ground, VCP3 for a early start. Westchester Cricket Club, our opponents, arrived at the ground on time, determined to win, with their best line-up so far (that included a new bowler Ketan, who has been MVP 3 years in a row in the Massachusetts league). In turn CUCC could only field their worst line-up so far in the season, as most of CUCC's star players were taking a break on the occasion of "Memorial Day" one of the long weekends.
As is Captain Arvind's luck, he lost the toss (and every time Arvind loses the toss he would mutter "I would rather win the match than the toss"). WCC elected to bat. In the absence of regular bowlers, Sunil opened the bowling with Arvind. Both of them wavered in line and length, against the "STRICT" umpiring of WCC plenty of extras were given. With occasional loose ball being punished by WCC's opening batsmen, they were coasting at a healthy run rate of 7+ per over. After 3 uneventful overs bowled by Sunil, Ajay was brought in as a first change, and Ajay who was itching to go, fired right away. Getting their opening batsmen Praveen to scoop a easy catch to fielder Vishnu at "POINT". That brought in their keeper for the largest partnership of WCC innings. Ajay also broke this largest partnership, another catch, smartly held by Sunil at Mid-on. Once the second wicket partnership was broken, the rest of the batsmen fell in regular intervals, excepting a "CAMEO" of an innings by their opening bowler Bhaskar. WCC ended at 177 allout in 31.3 overs. Ajay being the impressive bowler and providing important breakthru's.
Sriram and Ratesh opened the innings for CUCC, against WCC's impressive opening bowlers, they took their time to find footing. However, before they could settle down, they were back in the pavilion for low scores of 7 & 9 respectively. By the end of 10 overs, CUCC were 32 for 3. Pavan and Shehrazad joined hands to build a partnership and did so moving the score to 68 for 4 until Pavan was clean bowled going for a big heave at a swinging ball. Michael the next batsmen in, joined Shehrazad, not the stylish of cricket player, but, when it comes down to focus, determination and hitting power Shehrazad can match many a experienced ones. Both batsmen setout playing smart cricket, rotating the strike, punishing any and every loose ball and adding valuable runs and even bringing the run rate upto 5+ over. It was a pleasure (and in other perspective Hilarious) to watch 2 contrasting styles, Shehrazad, defending the good balls with straightest of the bats, punishing loose ball with the squarest. Michael, on the other hand, stylish, playing well timed cover and off drives. Only those participated or watching could witness, how "good bowling" can be made to look pedestrian. Anyway, CUCC scored the winning runs in the 30th over. Shehrazad, who scored the winning "FOUR" remained unbeaten on 74 and Michael, the non-striker ended up 3 short of another 50. For his good batting and making sure CUCC gets the win, SHEHRAZAD was declared the "Man of the Match". Thanks team for great effort and enthusiasm on the field, this is the 10th Win of the season (10 in a row) and let's keep the unbeaten streak going.