Memorial Day Cricket: Take One

(By: Nafis Ahmed, Commonwealth C.C)

Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday in May in most of the United States, in honor of the nation's armed services personnel killed in wartime. MSCL grants a free weekend on this and other national holidays that constitute a long weekend, for players to spend “quality” time with their families. However, after hibernating for what seemed like an eternal winter, the average MSCL cricket lover is so starved for activity and so aching for the tonk of the leather on willow, that it is impossible to keep him away from cricket. Hence, Cricket becomes the other wife, and its lovers came out, even on a long weekend, to cavort and indulge in their passion.

The proceedings were part of a hastily organized tournament among four predominantly Desi teams from the first division of MSCL. This was meant to be a fun time to enjoy some relaxed cricket in fortuitous good weather, but there was also a hidden agenda: the winner of this tournament will have the bragging rights to be called the best Desi Cricket team in MSCL. It is well known that most Desi teams give a tough fight to other Desi teams, notwithstanding their standing in the league. In this regard, MIT has always been a tough opponent for Commonwealth. Hence, Commonwealth came prepared with a decent side to face them.

MIT won the toss and wisely elected to bat. Their innings started disastrously as they were shaken early on by Sanjay Subanna, who bowled with the wind, and like the wind!! He had batsmen regularly fishing outside off, and in the process, had two snicks in the slips; the first smartly snapped by Ian and the second snapping Ian’s fingernail in a bloody mess. Sanjay finished with 3 wickets for 10 runs in 8 overs. Vinnay, the MIT captain, tried to resurrect their innings, but was neatly caught by the safest pair of hands backward of square - Somendra Basu. Wickets kept tumbling regularly with only a brief respite from Nirnay (20). MIT finally managed a total of 131, due to late innings cameos from Kris (26 not out) and Rizwan (19).

Qasim Butt made his debut for Commonwealth in this game and he showed that a long layover and change of marital status has done nothing to alter his ability to bowl nifty legspinners at a brisk pace. Fazal could hardly keep his excitement in check at this prospect of genuine leg spin. Qasim, once he gets match fit, will certainly boost up our bowling line up and will surely liven up the proceedings.

Commonwealth started the run chase ordinarily with both openers back while the score was still in single digits. Ian and Nafis steadied the ship and just when MIT was losing hope, Nafis (22) found a way to get himself out!! MIT’s glee, however, was short-lived, as Fazal joined Ian and immediately started to launch the ball in all parts of the ground. He remained unbeaten on a healthy 64 in just 56 balls. A feature of his innings was his running between the wickets: he hustled for doubles, just upon principle more than need. He completely overshadowed Ian, who remained firm and not out for his 17. Fazal is great to watch when he is batting like this; his batting is fluid and powerful, yet simple and elegant. Among the connoisseurs of MSCL cricket, it is a matter of debate whether Fazal is the Most Valuable Player of this league. On days like this it is hard to deny it!!