Match: VCC 3 vs ACC 3
Venue: VCC Ground 2
Date: 11th July 2021 (Sunday)
Author: Rohit Khanna
On the match day, it had rained in the morning and thus the field was moist. VCC 3 won the toss and elected to bat first based on the anticipation that the ground would soon dry up. From here on, the plan was to score 200+ runs in 40 overs and give the bowlers wriggle room to express themselves.
The strategy was to be watchful at the start, get the eye in, and then take the opening stand deep.
The opening pair of RK and Jena, started off steadily, the run-rate was about 2-3 RPO.
Rohit accelerated the scoring and at ca. 10th over the RPO was ca. 7. The continuous distractions from the keeper continued to die down. RK continued the onslaught on the bowlers and scored heavily off the off-spinner and all other bowlers, he reached 50 runs with a boundary. Jena (27) was slower than his usual self and a brash shot had him bowled. The opening stand was 117 runs, this broke the confidence of the visiting team. Together, Naman & RK added 30 runs before RK was caught at cover for 88 runs. A big partnership between them has been eluding but we hope it will come soon.
Naman had partnerships with Sono, DJ and Ash. The runs were cleverly scored by quick running with DJ.
Naman reached 50 runs by picking two off the last ball of the innings. VCC 3 made 238/4 in 40 overs.
We played the best hosts, during lunch break our guest team was served delicious chicken curry and now it was time to serve them defeat!
Sono graciously handed the ball to young gun Navjot to open the spell from the west-end. A gentle breeze was sweeping across the ground that further assisted Navjot with his angle and out-swingers. He got the first opener caught by the keeper with a stretched out catch for a mere single-digit score in the first over. Sono attacked from the other end. Navjot got no. 3 out on a duck by a splendid catch at second slip by Jenagan.
Ashish, as 1st change came steaming in at the batsmen relentlessly. Batsmen sought solace in attacking Naman (5o,22r,1w) but his guile did the second opener. He perished off a catch by Samrit. It’s 45 for 3 now.
Ashish bowled unplayable line and length, cramping the batsman. The pressure created resulted in the run-out of batsman no. 5 (DJ+RK). Thereafter, Rk started taking pride in his wicket-keeping abilities and thanking the good padding of the gloves for Ashish’s bowling.
Ashish (5o,3r,1w) yorked their sound batsman first-up for a duck and knocked the timber. The guests now languishing at 52/5, VCC smelled a comprehensive victory.
As field restrictions eased, best catchers were deployed at the boundaries in the hitting prone zones.
Navjot was again introduced into the attack, the batsman with a hitter’s reputation soon succumbed to Navjot (yes him again!). The sound of timber! He ended with figures (8o,31r,3w).
Vishal ran through 7 and 8 batsman (5o,17r, 2w)
DJ used his craft and bowled the opp. Skipper and last batsman in a single over (1o,1r,2w).
A great team effort by all setting the tone for the tournament.
ACC 3 was all out for 97 in 27 overs.
VCC 3 won by 141 runs.