IECC Vs ITCC
Date: April 4, 2010
Edogawa Ground
The game got off to a delayed start under gloomy skies. IECC started on the back-foot as they were 1 player short, were missing some key players and then went on to lose the toss as well. ITCC had no hesitation in batting first.
Despite taking the field with just 10 players the IECC opening bowlers, Rajesh & Shailaj, put up a fine show. They bowled an immaculate line & length and did not allow the ITCC opening pair of Anil & Rajeev to get away. Even singles were restricted as ITCC scored just 18 runs in the first 7 overs. With no option left but to take risks, Rajeev and Anil started taking risky singles. Rajeev beat a direct throw from Ganesh, but was not that lucky the second time as another accurate throw from Ganesh found him short. Mithun survived a very close run-out shout before even having faced a ball, but did not last long as he holed out to long off, of his first delivery. Rajesh held on to a well judged catch off Shailaj. Every batsman found the going tough as Raju and Saijesh continued the good work. Anil tried to up the ante and hit a couple of balls to the boundary but was did not last long and fell with the score on 45. Saijesh and Ganesh scalped 3 wickets each as ITCC were bowled out for 89. IECC conceded 23 wides which could have proved crucial in this low scoring affair.
With the asking rate at exactly 3 runs per over IECC opened with Santosh and Rahul. Rajeev operating from round the stumps, scalped Santosh caught at slip with the one that went across in the second over of the innings. Atul came out and hit a few lusty blows to keep the score ticking. Rajeev once again cut short his innings with a caught and bowled. Javed joined Rahul in the middle and kept scoring aggressively. He was trapped in front trying to play across the line to a straight one. Rahul fell trying to hoick one over long on. Raju and Sanjeeb were cleaned up by balls that kept low and suddenly a game which should have been an easy chase for the batting side was on the line. 26 runs were needed with 4 wickets in hand. Saijesh batted beautifully under pressure and hit a couple of boundaries to take IECC close. With just 4 needed he was trapped infront. ITCC kept up the pressure right through the innings and there were some close shouts against Saijesh and Shailaj. Shailaj sealed the game in the 24th over to take IECC home.
It was a game which should have been won comfortably by IECC but were made to sweat by the Tigers. With the KCL starting next week, IECC have a lot of improvement to do if they are to advance in that tournament.
