September Scorcher

It is rare when the mercury touches 80 on a September day; it is also rare when Commonwealth excels in all the departments of the game on the same day. But whenever it happens it is cause for jubilation – the onset of colder weather is thwarted by a few more days, and Commonwealth, thwarts another opposition’s attempt to deny it the championship that is seemingly, rightfully theirs.

Combined Islands invited Commonwealth to bat after winning the toss, apparently to repeat their performance from last week, when they beat Conway on this very ground (Franklin Field I). The left-right combination of Basu and Qasim went in to open the innings for Commonwealth. The contrasting batting styles and approach of the two Commonwealth openers, fully complemented each other – Qasim ripped through the opposition bowling attack with powerful strokes, with one and two hands, and Basu provided the perfect partner in rotating the strike, and more importantly by pushing the pace by running the singles and doubles. When Basu mistimed one to square leg, Commonwealth was handsomely placed at 84 for one: a near perfect opening partnership. Ali picked up where Basu left, and along with the hard hitting Qasim, took Commonwealth to 114 for one in 20 overs at the drinks interval.

The platform for a big score was set. All that was required was to build upon the good work of the early batsmen. After hitting a massive six, Qasim played on to an innocuous delivery and was denied a century, finishing a swashbuckling 81 on 77 balls. Fazal joined Ali, but remained uncharacteristically subdued, as he struggled to force the pace. A huge appeal for caught behind against Fazal was turned down, but provided the catalyst for a small onslaught by Fazal, as he produced a few fireworks, before perishing on 31 off 24 deliveries. Nafis continued his run of bad scores and played the first ball back into the bowlers hands. With Ali returning two balls later, Combined Islands had suddenly clawed back into the game by cleaning up the Commonwealth middle order, leaving them 174 for 5.

The recovery job started when Mohan and Vijay got together and started to rotate the strike, but two uppish shots accounted for their quick demise leaving commonwealth on 7 for 192. The eighth wicket partnership between Mark and Sai saw Commonwealth past 200, and the pair continued to bat sensibly, as they have throughout the season. A 31 run partnership saw Commonwealth in safer woods, with Sai batting splendidly for his 26 off as many balls. Late fireworks by Sameer were a treat to watch as he dispatched Lazarus for a towering six and followed it up with a well timed flick for four. The heroics of the late order gave Commonwealth a healthy 246 for 9, which was eminently defendable given the strong Commonwealth bowling lineup.

The perked up Commonwealth team took up the field with lots of verve and results were not late in coming. Mohan removed Robinson in his first over, but it was really Sai who bowled a splendid opening spell. He had the leg-leaning Newton in some discomfort, inducing two skiers off top edges that were surprisingly put down by the Commonwealth keeper. But those proved to be the only blemishes in the field, as the fielders took all the catches that came their way, led by some inspirational catches by their captain, especially when he plucked a blistering drive from Timmy Thomas. Sai finished his exceptional spell of new ball bowling (8-3-23-3), and was truly the man of the match considering his face saving 26 with the bat, to go with this exceptional bowling spell. Mahesh picked 3 wickets, and Commonwealth wrapped up the game with consummate ease, defeating Combined Islands comprehensively by 106 runs.

It was a comprehensive win, where Commonwealth outplayed the opponents in every department of the game. The cause for concern for Commonwealth is their brittle middle-order, which is ironically composed of league stalwarts. The commanding performance by their openers, and their prodigious late order are indeed very encouraging. The variety in pace and spin, and a very spunky fielding display today, makes them favorites for next week’s finals. An honorable mention for the match has to be Vasif Shaikh, as he showed exemplary spirit by showing up and helping out his team as the twelfth-man. It is not bamboozling batting and nifty swing/spin bowling that will see Commonwealth win the Championship this year; it is indeed the team spirit that was displayed today that will make us Champs again, personified by their twelfth-man.

PS: The Commonwealth Cricket Club First XI would like to thank all the members of the Second XI, friends, family and well-wishers who came to the ground to support the team. We request a similar (or better) turnout next Sunday for the Finals, and would strive not to disappoint.