Thunders V/S IMF

It was a match within a match, with thunders already qualified for the knock-out stage the target was to win with a margin which would take us to the top of the team tally and automatically qualify us for a bye in pre-QF. Maybe calculations were wrong but we were supposed to score the target set by IMF in 15 overs......that we did only to finally know that 3 other teams did better and beat us to the top rank.

This win was smooth but not as subtle as it sounds in the above few lines. The struggle for our team started again with the collection of 11 players. Kalyan must be thinking, why me since I have taken over as captain of this team. Anyway all these times he has still managed to bring together a group who have been able to overcome their skill shortfalls with their passion and effort on the field. I want to start with the department of fielding which in a way has changed the outlook of the team with impeccable ground and catching effort. Bowlers look better even after straying with their line and length in the last 2 matches because of the make up by the effort on the field. Sujay not only fields like a champion but also makes others try harder with his presence and efforts (except Kalyan who still needs to bend down for stopping the ball ...but being a captain wants to keep his head high....LOL...just joking...or am I ...!!!)

The IMF were never let out in the open and our bowling had them suffocated by not not giving easy runs. They were able to notch up 85 runs thanks to a brialliant innings by one of thoer players who held onto what he had.

It was upto batting to gather these runs in the least overs possible and the target in mind was 15 overs and not 20 overs to finish. Things did not start as we had hoped for and in trying to hurry up the batsmen were trying to hit every ball and not connecting. At that time with score on 20 odd after 8 overs, the mentality changed to just winning the match first and not losing direction totally. But that was not be and the boat was stabilized by ever reliable Sujay who has a temperament to match his skills. IMF was bowling good but Sujay had other things in mind. Without slogging he made sure the run chase is back on average with flurry of fours and sixes. Playing an awesome innings of 37 n.o. he took it to the end with Deepak hitting classic shots for 2 consecutive 4's of his own on the other end. We managed to get to the score in 14.4 overs with 7 wickets intact.

A convincing win indeed and one must appreciate everybody with sticking to whatever task they had in hand. League matches finish with impressive 3 of 3 wins..."Go Thunders "

Next match ....Pre-QF knock out stage.....

Match Summary :

Venue : Mark Twain , Alexandria , Saturday 10th October 2009

IMF : 85/9 in 20 overs

Thunders : 86/3 in 14.5 overs , won by 7 wickets

MOM : Sujay 37* n.o , 1 wicket , 2 run outs