FPs fell to a heavy 222 run defeat to Knightriders at Groats Road, never threating the hosts 297 for 1. Having taken just one wicket as Mohan made an unbeaten century, Kache 91 and Muhammad 56 not out, ex FPs man Mahesh Challa then claimed 5 for 11 as as only Haider 20 and Knudson 11 made double figures.
FPs lined up Keith, Swiergon, Sood, Haider, Penman, Javaid, Bhosale, Youles, Lee (w), Knudson and Prash and chose to bat. Knudson was the only successful bowler with 1 from 46 from 8 overs as the home batsmen piled on the runs. For the record the other figures were Prash 7-1-56-0, Sood 7-0-39-0, Haider 8-0-66-0, Swiergon 5-0-45-0 and Javaid 5-0-40-0.
With the bat FPs got off to a bad start as Swiergon fell 1st ball, Groats Road being something of a problem ground for FP openers this season. Sood soon followed for 3 and when Keith (6) became Challa’s 1st victim, FPs slumped promptly to 39 for 8 as 1st Haider fell for 20. Challa then unleashed carnage as Javaid (2nd ball), Bhosale (1st ball) and Youles (2nd ball) were all bowled for ducks. Penman also departed for 8 as Nagulmeera picked up a wicket. Lee made just 5 as Nagulmeera collected a 2nd victim, leaving Knudson and Prash together at 55 for 9. The managed to survive together for 66 balls before Knudson was eventually stumped for 11, Prash surviving on 9 not out.
All in all it was a forgettable day for FPs who remain bottom of the table. There is still some excellent commitment from a hardcore of players, but the loss of key players and a number of players lack of availability has meant that some players have had to step up to a level that is a real test. FPs next game is another very challenging game at Allan Park against Masterblasters, where FPs will be hoping to at least put up a strong challenge in a game that they will start as huge underdogs.
Scorecard
