2018 Regal League - First Round - Second game against Punjab XI on Sunday 1.30pm at Lindsay Park on May 6th

2018 Regal league -  First Round Game - Super Kings vs. Punjab XI  on 5th May (Sunday) at Lindsay 1:30am - Super kings win by 69 runs

Super Kings  188 for 5 in 20 overs (Jeffrey 110 n.o, Aditya 56)

Punjab XI  119 all out in 18.3 overs (Sodhi 30, Ravi 3/9, Neeraj 3/9)

Driving to the ground on a Saturday afternoon after a overnight rain and playing the first game at Lindsay, thought that if at all we play the game today, it will be a low scoring game.   Further, Punjab playing their first game in the league against Warriors at this ground last week, very nearly beat the Warriors. As an umpire, watched their admirable debut as they bowled reasonably well and with good hitters were well on course to win as they needed only about 30 runs in 5 overs with 5 wickets remaining. Also in the morning game, Panthers just then had thumped out champions Tigers by bundling then out for 55.

So, thought that we should bat first and considering some hitters in the Punjab line up, felt that we need a minimum of 140,  With Neeraj in the lineup, if we apply ourselves to negotiate the first few overs, should be manageable. 

Punjab XI won the toss and to my delight, they opted to bowl.  Shiv and Jeffrey opened the batting. Having seen the three quarter length that Punjab bowled last weekend, felt that Jeffrey will do well provided he select the right balls to hit as he has so much power and finesse as we keep seeing how he hits during the practice sessions. Shiv’s wife had come with their cute dog “Izzy” and really wanted Shiv to do well in front of her since he got out very early last time when she came.

Unfortunate as it is, we not only lost Shiv for a duck but also Venkat for a duck. Both got out to tame pushes, probably playing a bit too early with the ball not coming on as made a disastrous start to be 7/2.  But with Aditya and Neeraj to back Jeffrey, who made his top score for Super Kings last week only, I was confident that we can make a par score of 140 if we don't lose more than three wickets by the 14th over.

Aditya, brilliant batting

But what followed was simply breathtaking as both Jeffrey and Aditya matched each other in an admirable partnership of 110 runs overs the next 11 overs, scoring at 10 RPO which is so fabulous consisting Lindsay and that too after overnight rain.

Aditya was as always excellent with his stroke play and was particularly so pleasing with his off side shots through extra covers and it is indeed a treat to watch how we plays those inside out shots with bent elbow and knees.   Jeffrey was in his own zone and was so quick to pick the length and deposit the ball over the boundary with extreme finesse. There is no better site than to watch a tall and well build batsman caressing the ball with so much poise and muscle. He is such a clean and beautiful hitter of the cricket ball I have seen and am all the more happy to see him realize his full potential. Aditya got out caught almost at the long off boundary for a 42 ball 56 with two boundaries and two sixers.  Well played Aditya and it's such a great turn around for Super Kings after you joined us. Keep it going buddy.

Brilliant hundred by Mr.Jeffrey

When Aditya got out, we were 110/3 after 13 overs and with 7 overs to go, even if we score 6 RPO, should be 160+ which should more than  what we do need.  Unfortunately Neeraj got out cheaply and this does happen especially after a brilliant hundred partnership.  

Kiran gave very good support to Jeffrey by scoring run a ball before getting run out for the umpteenth time which is such a waste indeed and it’s high time, he does something to sort this out which unfortunately requires many hours at the gym to get into sprinting for runs rather than ambling through.   But am always happy when Kiran does well since he is so committed to practice and can always see his attitude to do well.

Jeffrey went beserk as we scored another 58 runs in the last 5 overs as he started hitting, rather belting sixers one after the other and it was such a fabulous battling display indeed as he hit five sixers and a boundary off his last ten balls. Imagine that! What a spectacle to see such an awesome display.  When he neared his hundred, we were screaming to have him slow down but he didn’t and went about his business without  any care expect to pick the ball on length and hoist it all over the boundary.  

Carrying his bat through, Jeffery was the first centurion for Super Kings with a superlative unbeaten 110 studded with 7 sixers and five boundaries off just 55 balls.  Hats off buddy as I won’t forget today for a long, long time.  When I clicked him for this picture, he was shy and so modest.  what a player!!!!

Expecting 140, thanks to the brilliance of Jeffrey and Aditya, Super Kings made their best ever score of 188/5 in 20 overs.  Wow! what a feeling.

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It was obviously a tall order for Punjab as we stared the bowling with Karthik and Aditya who both bowled well, keeping a tight line.  Karthik got  the first wicket, thanks to a neat catch by the well positioned Neeraj at fly slip.  Karthik continued his miserly spell of three overs for 17 runs and what was impressive was his great line and length and he certainly augers well as a key decisive bowler at any situation.  

Unfortunately Anurag who took over the bowling started disastrously bowling from the Congress end giving away 18 runs in his first over.  Bulk of the scoring was done by “Lovely” who smacked  a gigantic six of a full toss and a thumping boundary. He is the same batsman who smacked a quick fire 50 odd in the last weekend game nearly getting them through with a flurry of sixers. Although we had such a massive score, anything can happen in Cricket if such fearless guys continue to hit so well.  

Anand continued to bowl well from the other end for three overs going away only 11 runs and taking a good batsman out for LBW.

With  Ravi coming back after a hiatus and having seen Anurag bowling well in the practice,  brought him from the Capital drive end was immediately rewarded with the precious wicket of Lovely who was well caught by Aditya at long on. That was precisely the tonic that Anurag wanted as he bowled his next two overs admirably well to take another wicket. Anurag is a very deceptive bowler and if he can keep the three quarter length just outside the off stump, he will create head ache for the batsman since the bounce is so unpredictable and it is such a great weapon he has with the big IF on consistency. But he is improving leaps and bounds since he is such a hard trier and always ready to give his best. A great team man and a Captain's delight indeed. He bowled a perfect yorker to get rid of the other opening batsman who was doing great service to us by virtually crawling in the crease. Neeraj just scolded  him for getting him out (of course to make fun) and it’s such a great feeling when the team enjoys things when we do well 

What can say about Ravi who looks so tired but still runs well enough to land the ball in the right areas as he got three wickets within no time hardly giving any runs.  Ravi always gets wickets and it’s so good to see him right away get into the thick of things. Great show Ravi.  You have a lot to do and we bank on a stellar performance by you.

Having lost our magician Prasannah and with Madhav not playing this Game, it is mighty important to encourage slow bowling and Prem had signed up to do this role. It was easy to see that he needs to work a lot and it’s important for a newcomer to be nurtured and encouraged and a one side game like this is a perfect foil to get him some run in a match situation.

Poor guy with all his nervousness, Prem started with so many wides and gave plenty including an above the waist full toss that was gleefully dispatched over the boundary as his first over went for 15 runs with about five wides as well. It was so good to see Shiv egging along and these are the moments that blend us as a team as we all gel together as a family.  Prem improved in his second over and it was so good to see that.  Super Kings is all about the team and we will continue to encourage everyone who want to perform a certain role, particularly in the first round. Am sure that Prem in the next few weeks will become one of our front line spinner.

Victorious Super Kings

What can I say about Neeraj who is filled with magic as he was on a ha trick after bowling only two balls thanks to a neat catch by Aditya at long on and Anurag who juggled the ball many many times before catching at mid wicket. Having seen our top score in an innings, top score by a batsman in Jeffrey and the highest partnership, I was all ready to witness the first Super Kings hat trick but was spoiled by a faster one attempt by Neeraj which went outside the leg.  Just like Ravi, Neeraj had three wickets and I believe this is his best bowling spell in the league and certainly he will have a role as a bowler this season since I firmly believe in the strong impact of slow bowlers. 

Our catching was exceptional and it was great to see. Aditya catch two decisive ones at long on, Ravi one at point, Anurag at mid wicket, Neeraj at fly slip and even I had one caught at cover off Ravi just to make sure that my name is in the record books on such a historic win.

What a great win and an unforgettable day with many records from the team. Through all these, our newbie Ansad was quietly sitting in the sidelines along with Kiran (13 players today). It was so great to see the attitude of Ansad who after the game mentioned that  he will merrily support the team from the sidelines any day as all he wants is our team to do well. Having been myself in a number of matches in the situation of being in the sidelines, I can understand what he would have gone through even if its for a wee bit of a moment and Super Kings will be the last team to under utilize any player and he will get his chances very soon and seeing his attitude will do very well indeed.  Welcome Ansad!

With our supporter who brings us tons of luck

Through it all, we had Shiv’s pretty wife who was cheering us through the game with her pet “Izzy”.  Poor thing! although Shiv got got early, she did helped us to win the game and we want her to come every game. Who knows? She might very well see the century from the other opener since he is perfectly capable, having all the shots and concentration.

Poor Shiv! He did take one catch and after some of the players mentioned that it had come off the torn mat, asked that the batsman, who was almost on the boundary, to come back again to bat and that deprived of one of Shiv's catches.  But knowing him and all others in our team, we  play the game with integrity and even if this had happened to Kabir, the best batsman in the league by a mile,  we all would have done the same thing. 

Finally, we had an outstanding game when everything worked in our favor.  But, just like in life where we see ups and downs, we will go through the same through the season.  We just have to remember what we did as a team today.  We did the simple things right like having the confidence to hit the ball as hard as possible, having the belief to carry through while batting, having the confidence to bowl and field well.   That’s all we need to do.  We had our stars today but tomorrow others will shine along as well.  All we need to remember is to be in the moment while you are batting, bowling or fielding.

It’s all being in the moment with that ball. We can make it a great season folks. Just enjoy and support each other as a family.

Go Super Kings 

Super Kings Batting

Punjab XI batting

2018 Regal league -  First Round Game - Super Kings vs.Spartans on 28th April (Saturday) at Lincoln 9am - Spartans win by 13 runs

Spartans 145 for 8 in 30 overs (Adriel 36 Amit 26, Prasannah 4/20, Karthik3/21)

Super Kings 132/8 in 20 overs (Aditya 41, Jeffrey 25, Madhav 16 n.o, Amit 3/12)

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For the third year running, Super Kings had the  honor to start the season. What a chilly start indeed. Temperature was hovering around early 40s and with the wind, must have been close to freezing indeed. But who cares. We are here to start yet another glorious regal season.

Spartans Batting 

Put into bat, Spartans were cruising along at 83/1 loss in 8 overs and were well on their way to a 160+ score. Adriel played quiet admirably to score 36 runs with three sixers and a boundary. All these boundaries came of short of length balls on the leg side over the deep square leg. Medium pacers, watch out. Amit who came in at one down also played well to score 26 runs with a sixer and two boundaries. Those runs of the newer ball and those boundaries made a telling difference in the outcome of the game as what Super Kings needed was two more boundaries at the crunch time.

Thanks to one of the brilliant spell by spinners in both ends (Prasannah and Madhav), in the next 12 overs, Spartans could score only 62/7.

Brilliant spell by Prasannah 

Prasannah, who is sadly playing his last match for Super Kings, bowled brilliantly to take 4/21 in his four overs. It was really a canny spell as he time and again dipped the balls and had batsmen clean bowled. A super spell by an ever smiling guy who has given us many happy memories for us.

Prasannah was ably supported by Madhav who took 1/21 in his four overs. If we had taken a few more catches, we could have even had them bundled our for 130 or less. One of them was a sitter duly dropped by yours truly off Madhav. But for a first game with hardly any fielding practice, it was ok in the field although this needs to be worked upon.

Of the medium pacers, Karthik was the best of the lot taking 3/21 in his four overs. He bowled his heart out and has really improved so much through the years. Come to think of it, he had his first wicket for Super Kings in his second year. Superb player and is out there amongst the best in terms of commitment and never-say-die spirit.

Shiv keeping was brilliant as he moved around swiftly and really pepped up the bowlers. Good work Shiv.

Of the remaining 8 overs (other than the 12 by Pras, Karthik and Madhav), we gave away 83 runs and all these bowlers have their work cut out to perform better. With Ravi and Anurga back in the mix, it will get better but losing Pras will be a big blow not only because he is such a good spinner but also in our league, impact of slow bowlers are far better than medium pacers particularly in belter like Lioncoln.

Super Kings Batting 

Chasing 146, Shiv and Jeffrey gave us a great start and we were nicely placed at 40/0 in 6 overs when we lost both openers in the next over. Jeffrey made his top score of 24 in 25 balls with two good boundaries. Shiv also holed out for 12 off 17. Venkat was haplessly run out. Aditya was batting well as always hitting boundaries and running between the wickets deftly. Kiran also got run out and ultimately we had three run outs which is not acceptable if we have to milk the middle.

Debutant Prem with his dad

Always great to play in Lincoln

I walked in at #6 at 84/4 in 13 overs as the asking rate has climbed to close to 9 runs. Although I had suggested to Aditya to rotate the strike and take occasional boundaries, I also thought about extremely capable Madhav and Anand to follow up. With the spinner flighting so high, I decided to hit it long if the chance is presented since a couple of sixers and a few boundaries would have settled the game and will also take the pressure off Aditya. But I holed out to mid wicket boundary with my third ball. Little bit more power would have cleared and such moments are what makes this game so wonderful. As I was waking back, for a moment felt stupid but then again, these are the moments to be taken since it will be too much to expect Aditya to belt boundaries and relieve the pressure. On a better day, it might have worked but again as captain, I had to take the initiative which failed today.

Their slow bowlers were bowling well and it was getting harder to even score at run a ball. Madhav batted well to remain unbeaten 16 runs. Aditya played quiet brilliantly and flawlessly to score 41 of 36 balls and nearly got us through (2 sixers and a boundary). We came tantalizingly close to end at 132/8 and two more hits would have got us through. We certainly missed Neeraj indeed.

Amit from Spartans with 25+ runs and 3 wickets was the man of the match for a wonderful performance.

Take away

Overall lots of positives. We restricted a team that had a rampaging start by bowling well when it matters. Who knows if we had held onto a few catches that were presented. With more practice, we will get better indeed.

• We are certainly missing a pinch hitter in the slog overs and let’s see who can role into it since with good capable batsman at the top order who can give us 7 to 8 RPO up-to 12th over or so, we need such a batsman to ramp it up at the end.
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• Prasannah is a big loss and we are looking up to Prem to practice hard and step into this. It won’t be easy but is doable. Having watched the slow bowlers today, hopefully he got some idea.
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• From the medium pacers, there a lot to learn from Karthik who bowled really tight and for the most part, kept to back of the length. Too many short balls especially in the first overs of most of our bowlers. Fuller length is always better than such short balls in the leg side,
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• For a team that has almost nil practice and missing a great batsman and too good bowlers, it is a great start

Let’s practice with focus and also dedicate more time for fielding.

• Good bye Prasannah. We will not only miss your mesmerizing bowling but also your beaming smile. We all wish you the very best.
• Hope Prem has a good taste of Wisconsin weather, having moved from Texas. He has his work cut out to perform well as a slow bowlers.

Great show folks. We nearly made it. It will only get better with more practice. Let’s keep our heads high after a great game of cricket.

Go Super Kings

Spatans batting

Super Kings Batting

Eight game against Bangla Gladiators (25th June 2016 @ Linconl Park; Saturday 1.30pm)

 Deserving Bangla Gladiators knock out Super Kings

 

Bangla Gladiators  117 for 7  20 overs (Mahbatt 26, Andrew 18, Ravi 2 for 15, Jayanth 2 for 25, Jeevan 1 for 9 in 4 overs)

Super Kings 79 all out in 16.4 overs  (Shiv 19, Badri 17, )

Having beaten Bangla Gladiators in the first round and with all 15 of us showing for this game,  I was very confident that we will win this game although the game will be close.  But what a disappointment in store.  Seeing the inept batting display with five ducks made me virtually cry on a day I could not bat.   An extremely sad moment for a captain to see the ship sinking with no fight at all.  But again, Bangla deserved the win for their tenacity and perseverance and for the super way their captain led them from the front with bat and bowl while the Super Kings captains was limping in the sidelines.   Great show Bangla Gladiators!!!

Bangla Gladiators batting:

Captain Mahbatt opened the batting and showed the way with a pugnacious 26 runs with four boundaries.  It was really a stand out performance from a captain leading from the front as he realized that he needs to stay around to make a good score.  Although am not putting down the rest of the batsman, their key batsman are indeed himself, Shivin and Andrew and it was so nice to see someone who understands his role.  He was watchful when necessary and stepped out whenever he wanted to hit a boundary.  Unfortunately things was my bowlers when he stepped out three to four yards in front duly bowled a full toss which were dispatched easily for boundaries.

Jeffrey and Ravi opened the bowling and bowled reasonably well indeed. Jeffrey is a wonderful bowler with the shoulder and when he hits the deck on off-stump length, he is very hard to get away and am all the more glad that he bowls with purpose and poise with the intention of getting wickets.  Although he was not rewarded with any wickets, he could have easily had a few as he was threatening all through his four overs.

Ravi had the first wicket with a cleverly disguised ball to get their opener bowled but for some reasons became wayward in his second over, giving away 10 runs including of a rank half tracker which was taken full toll by Mahbatt.  Its not enough to bowl five good bowls and then give a gift every over as we see time and again that the opponents hit boundaries of our bad balls.  Again, we are new team and I can keep on giving excuses. But having had so many practise sessions, guys have to come up hard to avoid loose balls.  If a batsman hits a good ball, its fine but to give easy picking is never a good thing and I hope that Ravi will step up even better in the next game by making the batsman earn every run.  In fact he came back for his third over very well. In fact he bowled the 20th over and gave away one three runs taking a wicket as well. It was so wonderful to have the last over yielding only three runs and if Ravi can avoid those loose balls, it would so wonderful for our bowling line up since he also has the knack of getting wickets.

Mrinmoy came one down although he was not convincing at all as he was time and gain was inner edging to fine leg, stayed around to make 10 vital runs to take the score to 38 runs in the 7th over.  That is exactly what you want from a top order batsman to stay around not to loose too many wickets and yet score runs at a decent pace.  By not losing not more than two wickets by the seventh over, Bangla Gladiators showed their determination and will to succeed today of course with due thanks to their capatain.

Jayanth who came one change gave away 12 runs in his first over including of a gifted full toss boundary at Mahbatt charged at him.  All it needed was to pitch the ball on the off stump at a length but for some reason he was charging in and ended up giving away three wides as well.

Jeevan was outstanding yet again giving away only nine runs in his four overs.  No words to describe how nice his spell was as he ripped a few fliers off a short of good length as well.   I think Bangla Gladiators being so smart just played him out by not losing too many wickets.

Of all the bowlers, I particularly like Karthik for the discipline with which he bowls.  In more than one way, he embodies the spirit of simplicity in bowling as he kept tight line and length outside the off stump and gave away only 11 runs in 2 overs.  He makes it easy for the captain to set the field by being so professional and goes about his business well indeed.  Time and again, he has also shown himself to be a team man by being so understanding when he does not get to bat.   Thanks Karthik for playing the game with such true team spirit and understanding.

Having all 15 guys playing the game, I had to get Madhav also in the game and asked him to bowl two overs.  His bowling indeed a lot tricky since the comes off so slowly and mostly the ball dips and will be certainly hard for lower order batsman.  But unfortunately bowled more than one full toss as he was hit for a two boundaries and sixer.  However, he has the captain Mahbatt stumped smartly by the agile Shiv who also had two more catches behind the stumps. Am sure that with more practice, Madhav will not bowl those full tosses and will show himself to be an asset, especially with the lower order.

That sixer was something and it was hit by the big hitter Andrew who usually opens the batting as he thumped it over covers for a gigantic six.  It was some hit indeed.  Again, it was smart by Bangla to have kept Andrew lower down as he made a very vital 18 runs in 10 balls.

Krishna had his very best spell to date as he gave away only 12 runs in two overs and also had a wicket as well.  Am all the more happier that he bowled well as he is another great team player who has the will to do anything for the team to win.  Always having a smile and gentle nod to whatever the captain says.   Although I should have let him bat today, he understood that we have 15 players and gladly sat out, without mumbling a word.  Thanks buddy and its because of players like you that I still continue to play cricket.

Jayanth came back to bowl two more overs and had two wickets. He has time and again showed that he is good death end bowler.  Usually during those spells, he just sticks fuller length balls on the off stump and that is exactly what he need to focus on not trying too much like he did in first over with the newer ball.  Even here, he bowled a full toss with no mid-wicket protection which went for a vital boundary. As a captain, I should see to it that we don't give such boundaries especially in the last four overs as need to have three guys patrolling the leg side. 

Special mention about Shiv's wicket keeping which was indeed spot on as he took two smart catches and also had a good stumping.  In the previous games, he showed a tendancy to move more towards his leg side and hence could not reach some of the edges which come to right side. But today, he moved very well to the right side and had those nice catches indeed.  Great work Shiv!!

Bangla Gladiators ended up with 119 for 7 which was about 15 runs more than what I hoping to concede.  To a large extend this was because of those 5 or 6 loose balls which were dispatches for boundaries.   Take way those runs, they would have been well under 100.  But again, that's the beauty of cricket.

In the first legue game, they scored 114 and we were able to chase easily mainly because we scored 67 runs by the 9th over losing only two wickets.

Super Kings Batting:

Needing exact six RPO, all it needed was for the top order batsman to stay until the 10th over, kocking around scoring 50 by the tenth over without losting not more than two wickets.  I had all the top six batsman next to me and precisely gave this message.   It was simple common sense batting and was hoping that atleat three batsman will stay and do the job.

Shiv as usual batted very well to score nice, fluent 19 runs off 22 balls.   There was one stand out lofted shot through long off which very nearly went for a six and he played positively and smartly.  But just when it was really needed, he got out the same fashion he was been getting out, caught on long off.  I know that this is his favourite shot and he will very well thing that that ball needed to be hit there.  But the point is that he is the settled batsman and really needed to stay.  He has been scoring close to 20 runs in every outing but is not making it count to staying longer. With the kind of batting depth we have, if we were to win games, he needs to stay longer.  I know that it is easier said that done especially instintive batsman like Shiv.  But, as a captain, I can only hope that he will be more selective in the coming outings and will stay longer.  But to his credit, by the time, he got out, our score was 60 for four in 11 overs and he has done more than his job.  Well played Shiv.

Sagar and Pras came and went.  What can I say,  Although I do know that they are not top order batsman, have given enough chances to show their talent.  For a top order batsman,  it is vital to show positive intent and also show determination since more often than not, they will be at the receiving end of good, capable bowlers with the new ball.  But time is running out and unless they focus on improving themselves in the nets, it will be hard to promote them at the expense of overall team efforts.

Althouth Neeraj was padded to go two down, since we have lost two wickets too quickly and since Mahbatt was bowling really well with the new ball, did not want to expose Neeraj and hence asked Badri to go two down.

Badri, although he consumed lots of balls in scoring 17 runs in 36 balls, fact of the matter was that he was fighting and was really showing lots of determination.  Although he scored 12 runs in his last 10 balls, he has to score at a better clip at the start of the innings also.  But gain, he did not play the last game and also missed out practice and went two down at a drop of a hat, fulfilling the captain's request.  By the time he got out, we were sinking as the score became 65 for 7 in the 13th over.

Unfortunatley Neeraj was out first ball, played on.  It was a great shocker indeed since even in practice sessions, he hates to loose his wicket and certainly pulled as back a lot.  He has been doing the bulk of scoring after he came back and one can't expect him to deliver everytime and frankly specaking, I thought it was good fullish length ball to face first up. Unfortunte indeed.

But what happened next was something totally unexpected.  Jayanth, Jeffrey, Madhav and Ravi just went and came back with next to nothing.  It was an extra-ordinarly collapse indeed and frankly took me by total surprise. To each of these batsman, I had given special instructions to knock around and play the ball straight for a few balls.  But we had two bowled and two LBWs as we lost five wickest just like that.

Badri did his very best and all it needed was another batsman to stay around.  At the request of the captain, Badri tried to accelearte and perished and in hindsight, if he has stayed longer with Jeevan, we might have made a run for the win. But gain, which captain will expect wickets to fall left and right in a matter of balls.   Very disappointing.

Jeevan who went in at # 8, stayed around not out scorping 8 runs in 17 balls as the last batsman Abhijit got run as were bowled out for 79 in 16.4 overs.   Mind you! this was inclusive of 27 wides as well.  We had six batsman who were duck out which tells the sad story of the game. 

 Bangla Gladiators were the deserving winners as they simply outplayed in all departements.  Their captain Mahhatt led from the front in opening the batting and bowling as in addition to scoring a vital 26 also had the first two wickets to fall.   But the vital man who made the turn of events happen was Shahnawaz Ali who got the four wickets within no time (two bowled and two LBWs). It was indeed a match wining spell and decisively turned the match upside down since Super Kings were coasting to victory at 62 for 4 in 10 overs.

I did not bat all which might be puzzling for quite a few folks.  When a game where what one needed was another batsman to play straight and knock around, I could have very well fit the bill. But the unfortunate captain just could not bat since an MRI only two days back had indicated that he is likely to have a ruptured shoulder cuff.

It was indeed a demoralizing defeat.  Since this was a first match of the second round and since we are playing the other new team in the league, it was all the more important that we won this game.  We were certainly so well placed but lost it just like that.  I have no idea what happened to the batsman who went lower order. For some reason, they were just frozen and became lame ducks for straight balls.  That's the beauty of cricket where time and again, determination and the willingness to win will matches for you.  Sadly Bangla Gladiators exemplified this today and my dear Super Kings were found wanting and simply caved in without a fight after being in control of the game for a significant part of the game.

We bowled well to restrict them to less than 120 although we gave a few loose boundaries.  We were coasting well with good batting by Shiv and Badri but caved in meekily.  We have been practicing hard and can't fault anyone since it was a collective batting failure.  We can wonder about so many iffs and butts but the fact of the matter is that we have lost a vital game. We have six more games in the second round where we have to beat the experienced teams.  As a captain, I back each one of you to come harder and make us win the coming games.

Just as in life, there are aspects for winning viz., talent, hard-work and determination.  Not everyone is blessed with abundant talent and ultimately the winners are the ones who take a combination of two of the above three.  If you have the talent and determination, ofcourse you will make it count.  But what inspire and motivates me in life is to take hard-word and determination.  I cannot doubt the determination in every one of you nor the hard work you put in.  But when it comes to winning matches, determination should come out through.  In this game, all it needed was another batsman to be determined and not willing to give away his wicket. For some inexplicable reason, it did not happen.  May the bowler bowled well but again, with the kind of team spirity and hard work we are putting, I was expecting atleast one of us to fight against him.  It just did not happen.  My humble reqest to each one of you to reflect on this game next time and show determination and courage to fight till the end. I know we can do it. But it requires determination from each and every one of you wheter you are bowling when you must avoid bad balls and while batting showing postivity and spirit not to loose your wicket.










Regal 2016: League   -   WI Bangla Gladiators won by 40 runs (06/25/2016)

WI Bangla Gladiators: 119/7(20.0 overs)

Super Kings: 79/10(15.4 overs)

WI Bangla Gladiators innings (20 overs maximum)		R	B	4s	6s	SR
Mahbbat Ali*	st Sivaram K b Madhav V	26	28	4	0	92.86
Shahnawaz Ali	c †Sivaram K b Ravi Kiran Reddy K	1	3	0	0	33.33
Mrinmoy Sarker	c †Sivaram K b Jeevan B	10	19	0	0	52.63
Amandeep Singh	b Jayanth P	0	2	0	0	0.00
Md Zubair Ahmed Khan	c Jeffrey J b Krishna A	11	21	0	0	52.38
Andrew Whilby	lbw b Jayanth P	29	28	1	1	103.57
M Maruf Alam	c Jayanth P b Ravi Kiran Reddy K	11	16	1	0	68.75
Shivin Malhotra	not out	6	3	1	0	200.00
Samaun Khan	not out	1	2	0	0	50.00
Extras	(b 1 lb 0 w 21 nb 2 )	24
Total	(7 wickets;20.0 overs)	119
Did not bat: Hasan Jamal
Fall Of Wickets:

Bowling	O	M	R	W	Econ
Jeffrey John	4.0	0	22	0	5.50		(6w)
Ravi Kiran Reddy Karra	3.0	0	15	2	5.00		(3w)
Jayanth Para	3.0	0	25	2	8.33		(6w 1nb)
Jeevan Bandlamudi	4.0	0	9	1	2.25
Karthik Krishnan	2.0	0	11	0	5.50		(1w)
Madhav Venkateswaran	2.0	0	22	1	11.00		(3w 1nb)
Krishna Amaravathi	2.0	0	14	1	7.00		(2w)

Super Kings innings (target: 120 runs from 20 overs)		R	B	4s	6s	SR
Sivaram Kaushik	c Samaun K b Md Zubair A	19	22	1	0	86.36
Sagar Umale	c Md Zubair A b Mahbbat A	0	2	0	0	0.00
Prasannaah Hadagali	c †Hasan J b Mahbbat A	1	4	0	0	25.00
Badri Aavan	b Md Zubair A	17	36	0	0	47.22
Neeraj Agrawal	c Mahbbat A b Md Zubair A	0	1	0	0	0.00
Jayanth Para	lbw b Shahnawaz A	3	3	0	0	100.00
Jeffrey John	b Shahnawaz A	0	1	0	0	0.00
Jeevan Bandlamudi	not out	8	17	1	0	47.06
Madhav Venkateswaran	lbw b Shahnawaz A	0	2	0	0	0.00
Ravi Kiran Reddy Karra	b Shahnawaz A	0	2	0	0	0.00
Abhijit Das	run out (Mrinmoy S)	0	4	0	0	0.00
Extras	(b 4 lb 0 w 27 nb 0 )	31
Total	(10 wickets;15.4 overs)	79
Did not bat: Krishna Amaravathi, Karthik Krishnan
Fall Of Wickets:

Bowling	O	M	R	W	Econ
Mahbbat Ali*	4.0	0	15	2	3.75		(9w)
Shahnawaz Ali	4.0	0	14	4	3.50		(1w)
Md Zubair Ahmed Khan	4.0	0	29	3	7.25		(9w)
Shivin Malhotra	3.0	0	16	0	5.33		(6w)
Samaun Khan	1.0	0	2	0	2.00		(1w)
Amandeep Singh	0.3	0	3	0	6.00		(1w)