After losing to Ajax Leiden last week in a very close game HCC was the new opponent today. The day started with some drizzle and Zomi team opt to field first. Just like the last couple of games including the one against Ajax we started the game with some very good and accurate bowling giving not too many runs away. Prem took the first wicket with a blinder and after 10 overs we only conceded around 50 runs for the loss of one wicket. We kept the pressure on and a fantastic catch by Kaushal and two more wickets were setting things up nicely to get a decent total for us to chase. However after 4 wickets we did not manage to keep going. Runs were coming more easily for HCC and a partnership was building, adding pressure to our bowlers and the field. Finally after conceding too many runs (boundaries) we got the breakthrough and took 2 more wickets. A few costly overs later we took one more wicket at the end which wrapped things up, unfortunately taking the total well above 200 runs where at one stage 170/180 runs would be the more obvious total to chase. HCC final score 235 for 7.
The run chase started after a well-deserved lunch (no pizza, but still a good lunch). Still optimistic, because we managed to bat very well last game against Ajax and got 200 runs for it. Just like opening the bowling we had a very good start to the innings and runs were flowing of the bat and many wides were bowled in the first 10 overs. At one stage we even managed to get a run rate of 7 an over and halfway we were still in the game. But like so often happened during previous games we start playing shots we should not play and get ourselves out in a later stage of the game. Wickets were given away too easy for few runs and pressure was building on the next batsmen in just too take more risk keeping the run flow going. Ultimately resulting in a few unnecessary run outs and losing the game. VCC final score about 130 runs all out.
If we manage to keep the focus the whole game (BOWLING AND BATTING) like we do at the start, we will definitely celebrate a few wins more. Keep on going guys. We have a fantastic team, but more important enjoy and have fun guys next week against CC Kampong on our grass wicket and hopefully a win.
