As we fast approached the summer solstice, VCC3 got a taste of summer weather. After making
way to Sparta 1888, the team was greeted with large rugby and football fields. At the clubhouse,
old ’80s Hindi songs were playing on the speaker, almost warning us of the sweltering Chennaiesque match conditions the game would be played in.
There was no coin toss, as both captains agreed on one thing: VCC3 would field first. Sarath and
Navjot opened the bowling and gave us a blistering start, removing the dangerous Sparta openers
that had dominated their unlikely run chase against Punjab the previous week. The first wicket fell
in the first over, after a wicked seam movement uprooted the leg stump. The second openers fell
moments later thanks to a brilliant diving catch by Ahsen at square leg. The #3 batman followed
the openers back to the pavilion, giving Sarath his third wicket. At 3/3 after 6 overs, VCC looked
to push further thanks to sustained pressure from Navjot’s maiden overs.
Sparta tried to counterattack with some boundaries in the middle overs, and got a solid
partnership of 38 runs. A sharp bit of fielding from Navjot and Babette got the set #4 batsman out.
The quick scoring #5 batter was shortly dismissed by Pranav, edging an out-swinging ball to the
ever-watchful Babette. The middle overs allowed Sparta a few more runs in between, albeit with
very low runs per overs (thanks to tidy bowling from Jenagan, until Sarath and Navjot were
brought back to take wickets. The plan worked, but Sparta managed to bat the full 40 overs and
scored 125/7. The highlights were Sarath’s 4-wicket haul and Ahsan’s catch.
After a quick lunch, Tanveer and Jenagan were sent to open the innings, the perfect blend of
explosive talent and wisdom. A small score of 126, but still sizeable if not carefully chased.
Tanveer was in the mood right from the start, taking the fight to the bowlers immediately. Jenagan
eased into reading the pitch before dominating the bowling as well. Tanveer quickly amassed 83
runs in 62 deliveries, scoring 5 fours and 5 sixes. Jenagan scored 41 in 57 deliveries, also scoring
5 fours.
VCC3 won by 10 wickets and chased the total in 19.5 overs. A great day for all!
The match was played in all fairness and we were very well received by team Sparta, it was enjoyable to play with them.
Scorecard: https://matchcentre.kncb.nl/match/134453-6558864/scorecard/?period=1925129