FP’s 2nd XI thwart Knightriders

AGSFP’s 2nd XI second home game of the new season was against last seasons Grade 3 champions Knightriders. Although the weather finally was sunny and dry, the Rubislaw groundsman ruled that one of the bowlers run ups was too wet to use and so the walk across to the Knightriders team who were warming up was not a happy one, as it looked like no cricket on a sunny day and therefore no excuse not to go to watch Darren Mackie miss his last Aberdeen scoring chances

But Knightriders captain Mohan came up with a novel idea by suggesting we bowl all the overs from the same playable end. With both captains agreeing that it would otherwise be a waste of a rare dry, sunny day and finding no reason not to, the game was on.

Grammar had made three changes to the team from last week, out went Kieran Whyte, Sandeep and Joy, and in came Rizwan and two debutants, Rahul and Matt Barker.

Playing a game of cricket bowling only from one end was not the only first, as all the FP’s team arrived on time, and the game actually started early.

Grammar had won the toss and asked Knightriders to bat first. Karthik opened from the Cromwell Road end, with Kiran as his opening partner, also bowling from the Cromwell Road end. FP’s bowlers began well, beating the bat on several occasions, but the Knightriders batsmen were quick to take advantage of any loose deliveries and after 10 overs, and 1 drinks break (!), the score was 44 – 0. But Karthik, unlucky with a good LBW shout, made the much needed breakthrough in the 11th over by bowling Rowan with a beautiful inswinger which hit leg stump. Rowan out for 17 (2 x 4).

After bowling 5 – 0 – 24 – 0, Kiran was feeling the effects of a foot injury and was replaced by Magesh at the er, Cromwell Road end. New batsman Rashid’s first scoring shot was a beautiful straight drive for 6, but the unflappable Magesh had the perfect answer next over by bowling Kannan for 23 (2 x 4), KR score 55 – 2, 14 overs.

Karthik and Magesh slowed the scoring rate with only 9 runs off the next 7 overs, Karthik ended another great spell of bowling with 9 – 2 – 23 – 1, and would have had another deserved wicket, but last weeks bat breaker became this week’s heart-breaker by juggling with and then dropping a chance at point. Rizwan replaced Karthik and was equally unlucky when another chance was juggled and dropped by the same fielder.

But Magesh came to FP’s rescue when he bowled Rashid for 17 and two overs later had Vinod given out LBW for 6, KR 87 – 4, 25.1 overs. More drinks breaks slowed down the over rate, but the well refreshed Knightriders middle order batsmen were now playing with more attacking intent. The slow outfield meant that FP’s boundary fielders Barker and Karthik were kept busy.

But with the partnership worth 73 runs, Rangarajan was caught without incident by Macdonald off a recovered Kiran for 37 (2 x 6, 1 x 4), KR 160 – 5, 38.5 overs.

KR batsman P. Ballal was batting very well taking full advantage of any loose deliveries  reaching a well deserved 50 by hitting a huge 6 of Kiran. Revenge was sweet for Kiran 2 balls later as he bowled Ballal for 54, KR 179 – 6, 41.5 overs.

Magesh took 3 – 48 off 12 overs, meaning 10 wickets in only 2 games, a great start to the season for last seasons top wicket taker.

Rahul then came on for a debut  bowl against a KR side looking to score runs quickly, and bowled with good control. He took his first wicket in his 4th over having Selve smartly caught by the reliable Rizwan at backward square leg for 5 (1 x 4). Next over Rahul bowled Prashant with a beautiful off break for 4, and KR then declared with the total 199 – 8 off 44 overs. For FP’s, Kiran bowled 8 – 0 – 46 – 2, Rizwan 7 – 0 – 39 – 0, Rahul 5 – 0 – 25 – 2.

The bowling was on the whole was quite good against a strong batting line up, helped by the keen fielders and a slow outfield. But the wides total this week was still way too high despite keeper Pehlaj’s great efforts. One particular leg-side take looked impossible as he stretched way across on one leg, and as a bonus, flicked the ball onto the stumps in one unexpected movement.

Rama and Pehlaj went out to bat, and the arrival of the 1st XI meant standing room only in front of the Pavilion. But there was not much to cheer as Rama was soon dismissed, out LBW for 1, FP’s score 5 – 1.

Pehlaj and Macdonald found the KR bowling very accurate and it soon became obvious that the chances of scoring 200 runs were receding fast. Bowlers Prashanth and P. Mali were giving nothing away and the first real aggressive shot Pehlaj played caused his downfall when he was well caught by Vinod at wide mid off for 12, FP’s 24 – 2, 14 overs.

Karthik was out soon after hitting a full toss to mid off, caught by Mohan off Kannan, FP’s 28 – 3, 16 overs. Three overs and 3 runs later, Macdonald was bowled by Kannan for 14 (1 x 4), FP’s 31 – 4. (The scorebook credited Macdonald with 13, but Aly the abacus reckons 14)

Tim Gillies survived until the 23rd over when Prasanth bowled him for 1, FP’s now in full collapse mode, 37 – 5 and with another 23 overs to survive.

Rizwan had settled in well and looked comfortable at the wicket and together with Johnston set about saving the match for FP’s.

The crowd drifted away as the defensive tactics against KR disciplined bowling and sharp fielding made dull viewing. As the overs ticked by, Johnston’s dour batting performance meant his lucrative IPL contract would probably not be renewed, but Rizwan ensured FP’s gained valuable batting points by hitting any tempting bad balls for four.

Next FP’s batsman due in Matt Barker was so excited he fell asleep and not even the occasional very loud KR appeal could wake him up.

KR changed the bowling at regular intervals, but Rizwan and Johnston coped with all that KR could throw at them. However, in the 42nd over, Johnston could not cope with what was thrown at him by Siva, and was given out LBW for 5, FP’s 70 – 6 off 42 overs. The sixth wicket had scored 23 runs in only 19 overs, meaning 5 overs remaining to see out the draw.

Fortunately Barker was by now awake enough to bat without taking any risks and the in form Rizwan continued to frustrate the KR bowlers. Off the last ball of the game Rizwan walloped a huge 6 over mid on to finish the game on 43 n.o. (1 x 6, 5 x 4)

FP’s ended 86 – 6 off 46 overs, gaining a valuable 14 points from the draw. For KR, top bowlers were Kannan, 2 – 32, Prashanth 10 – 5 – 8 – 1.

Knightriders look a stronger team than last seasons, so FP’s can be satisfied with securing a draw. However the bowlers need to tighten up as too many wides meant the KR total was always going to be a big ask.

Man of the Match – Rizwan, bowled well, good catch and a match saving, points gaining innings.

Champagne Moment – Knightriders great idea to bowl from same end.