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DEAD RUBBERED |
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A dead rubber against the old enemy on a grey afternoon in Chiswick, was this a chance for redemption in a 30 over contest? Surprisingly Superstars' captain Paul won the toss, but chose to bowl first in order to accommodate the team member who had to leave early (and we were only 10 in any case). |
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NJ and Dollin opened for Dodgers against Superstars debutants Mahendra and Vijay (Srikanth) after an initial maiden and a few quiet overs, Dodgers were being held in check at 17 off 5 overs. However, there were no early wickets, the few edges there were fell wide of the fielders and one run-out chance was missed, so Dodgers had a platform. They accelerated over the next 10 overs reaching 105 before Dollin (48) was bowled with a tired shot against Khaled. NJ retired on 52 shortly thereafter. JT and Pethick kept up the pressure on pitch that offered the bowlers little help and a fast outfield. Pethick was finally bowled looking for an extravagant shot against the returning Mahendra and JT retired before the innings closed on 210-2 – an even 7 per over. |
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Superstars kept up the effort in the field with Mahendra (6-1-22-1) the pick of the bowlers but, although Vijay S (6-0-39-0), Khaled (6-0-35-1) and Duggan (6-0-38-0) were solid, anything short or wide was punished and with only 10 players the gaps in the field didn’t help. |
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Arun and Matt B opened for Superstars and after two sweet boundaries from Satya’s first over Superstars were momentarily ahead of the required run rate. However, the accuracy of Stockbridge in particular tied the batsman down with Arun bowled for 18, Matt LBW for 3, Sam bowled for 5 and Mahindra collecting a 3 ball duck. After 9 overs we were 30 for 4. Khaled dug in and supported by Adnaan (11) and Vijay S (29 – including one beautiful 6 off Hilary) restored a measure of respectability but not 100 only in the 20th over we were well behind the rate. Vijay was caught behind off Hilary and Khaled retired leaving Paul G-A (12) and Sir Steve M (7) to play a nostalgic partnership. The Final Over, bowled by NJ was a classic with a comedy run out, Steve bowled going for a wild swipe and Khaled returning for the last ball of the match, only to be caught behind. We closed on 153-9. |
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So no redemption but we felt lucky to get the full game in and a few beers helped us forget any disappointment. |
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Paul Gaught-Allen (c), Arun Saajan, Sam Farnham, Matt Brown, Khalid, |
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Michael Duggan, Mahindra, Adnaan Ali, Vijay Srikanta, Steve Meyler. |
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