Match Report - Presidents XI's

On a hot 95 degree day, under a scorching sun, tempered by a slight breeze, the SCCA Presidents XI challenged the Social League Presidents XI.

SCCA President and Captain Mihir won the toss and decided to bat. Nigel and Sid took the new ball and made it talk, with Sid, as the pick of the bowlers in the first session, taking 3 wickets while giving up a stingy 3 runs. Arman fought hard for a gritty 28 runs but as wickets fell at intervals, the SCCA were looking at 62 for 6 wickets after 13 overs.

After the break at the start of the second session, Imran counter attacked to bring up his 30 for mandatory retirement, making a cameo at the last wicket. Vikram and Vishal contributed a very useful 15 and 16 to boost the SCCA total to 117 for 10 in 22 overs.

The Social XI looking at 118 to win came out swinging. Vivek and Dave pushed for a quick 18 off 3 overs to get the chase going. Imran caught fire bowling, in his second over finding himself with two wickets in two balls and another in the same over a few balls later. The first session ended with the Social XI slightly ahead and a wicket better than the SCCA XI had fared.

Arjun came out with intent and went on the attack getting a fiery 16 runs before being caught on the boundary. In the second session, the SCCA bowlers were led by Janak who finished with 2 wickets for 22 runs. The game was in the balance with 7 or 8 overs left. Vikram, Mihir and Mir kept it very close, but Sammy was able to get enough support from Manjeet (11) and a quick cameo from Nick D (Captain) to complete the chase in the 24th over. Sammy retired with 31 and earned man of the match honors. Social XI won by 2 wickets.

A heartfelt thanks goes to SCCA President , Mihir Gandhi, who took an idea and made this game happen. It was a fun day of cricket and camaraderie between our leagues. A good time was had by all and it it was a close match played in the right spirit.

All in all...it was cricket that won today!