Strenuous SPCC fires and advanced to the semis

August 26, 2007

A Brutal spell by Sandeep that cost ROCC three big wickets. Earlier in SPCC innings, Baseer and Venkat Nimagadda rescued their team from likely collapse and posted a decent total of 203 runs.

A quick burst of shower left the whole ground soggy. SPCC and ROCC along with the umpires from VTCC decided to wait till weather gets better. After the wait of around 90 minutes both teams decided to start the game. Toss was very crucial for both teams. ROCC are known for not being good chasers and SPCC batting was also fluctuating in last couple games.

Coin flipped and went in ROCC’s way. Looking at clouds and dampness on the ground, ROCC decided to put SPCC to bat. Sumit and Muzaffer were sent to open up SPCC’s innings. Shawn and Dhimant bowled beautifully and took full advantage of the new ball. Muzaffer got bowled out by an amazing out swing delivery.

Sumit and Amit carried on playing cautiously and got beaten numerous times. SPCC lost its second wicket in 10th over when Harry trapped him leg before. SPCC were 32 for the loss of 2 wickets in 10 overs. Trilok also survived first few deliveries by ROCC seamers. Trilok smashed the first six of the day but on next delivery; he could not time the ball well and got caught at short mid on. Rahul, Amit and later Harish did not survive long and went back to player’s stand.

SPCC were in deep trouble at the end of 22 overs. Their score was only 99 runs with the loss of 6 wickets. Baseer and Venkat stayed on the wicket and slowly but steadily building a healthy partnership. By that time sun was out and the ball lost its shine. Venkat who is aggressive by nature played some beautiful strokes. His innings of valuable 38 runs came to an end, when Shawn was brought back into attack. Seventh wicket partnership saw 94 runs. Baseer lost his wicket trying to increase the run rate. Shawn bowled tremendously and removed rest of SPCC batsmen and added a 5 wicket haul to his career.

A target of 204 runs was a healthy one to chase. ROCC’s previous highest score batting second was 173 runs therefore SPCC were very confident. Rahul did not bowl fast enough but his line and length was more than just what the doctor ordered. His first victim was Hiran, who got caught by Sandeep and later Vishal sees his stumps flying by an amazing outswinger.

Harry and Ashutosh were the big wall to break. The next 14 overs were irritated for SPCC’s Captain. None of his bowler was able to break this wall. Both Harry and Ashutosh were playing without any fear. They kept on frustrating the bowlers with their left and right hand combination. Captain decided to bring on his inexperienced but hazardous pacer. His decision was wise enough as later this inexperienced lad became the difference between these two teams. Sandeep bowled his heart out and was bowling with his full venom. In his second over, his good length ball passed through Harry’s bat and pad and knocked out the stumps.

With the departure of ROCC’s Captain, the whole SPCC team regrouped again. In result, ROCC batting collapsed dramatically. Sauvrin and Shawn could not uphold SPCC’s aggression and went back to their sitting buddies. Sandeep took wicket of the day, when he clean bowled Ashutosh with his killer delivery. ROCC were 118 at the end of 26 overs with the loss of 6 wickets.

ROCC required daunting 86 runs off 54 balls. Dipen and Dhimant showed resistance but with every over the required run rate was climbing sky high. Together this pair added 47 runs on board. 39 runs needed of last 18 balls. The fearful Sandeep bowled yet another unplayable delivery and knocked out stumps once again. Those poor stumps must have cursed Sandeep through out his brutal 7 overs. His final stats were 7 overs, 3 wickets for just 18 runs.

Local supporters spare no chance to disturb SPCC and even ROCC during the last few overs. Few guys parked their cars right outside of the boundary line and kept on honking their horns. These local tipsy supporters, unlike ROCC team, were very unfriendly and have no sportsmanship. It was not the first time and SPCC knew as they already planned everything in advance. The more these guys were disturbing both teams, the more SPCC players were charging up.

30 runs required off last 12 balls. Muzaffer bowled the second last over with few hiccups but later controlled his length and took the wicket of Dipen. 19 runs of last 6 balls. Baseer bowled intelligent enough. In his first three deliveries he just gave 1 run and in last three, ROCC scored only six runs. ROCC lost the quarterfinal just by 8 runs. Their second consecutive lost in the quarterfinals. The cheerful SPCC players congratulated each other.

SPCC would like to thank Atul Patel and his team ROCC for being wonderful host and for providing an excellent lunch during the half time. SPCC also would like to thank VTCC umpires and ROCC Captain Harry for controlling the crowd. Many thanks to Anish, Deepak and Venkat Siva for being supportive and thanks to all well wishers back home.
 

Man of the Match: Sandeep Chaturvedi