The team arrived in Mark Twain cricket field with a firm mindset to put a stamp on Play-offs this season. With all the matches in the division a touch close as far as team strengths are concerned, it was all important to make sure that we put a lid on the play-off chances.
There were some discussions put forth regarding the importance of scoring quickly in the restricted overs since in the past few matches this was something that was lacking. Few changes were brought into the line-up but the ideology for this season was still for everyone to stick to the basics and enjoy the game.
Kalyan lost the toss and we were put in to bat first in the overcast conditions. We knew the outfield was fast and runs come quick on this field once they connect the bat and clear the in-field. The strategy to get some quick runs inspired a hitter (thats me!!) to be sent in with Sujay taking control at the other end. This would have backfired with Gaurav getting out on the second delivery of the match without scoring, but for the exceptional batting display by the ever so reliable Sujay and not so reliable (LOL) Kalyan coming in later. They took the onus on the bowlers and with Divyesh adding the young power on the other end the runs were coming fast and easy. In matter of time even with losing 2 more quick wickets the scoring rate was up and the momentum took us to a comfortable 78/3 by the time 10 over break was called.
With such a nice platform set we were looking for a 150+ total with big hitters like Kartik and plenty of other useful batsmen still to come in. But it was not to be and with disciplined bowling and some very ordinary display of batting we could only manage 114/8 in the end, that too, thanks to Dara who connected a few balls for the first time this season with the bat.
Though not enough and close to what we could have scored with the excellent batting initially from Sujay, Kalyan and Divyesh (barring the weird run-out), we were confident that if we bowl straight we could take this home with lot of bowling power in our ranks.
The knight riders started confidently and almost took us for a ride with Divyesh being slammed for 20+ runs in his first over forcing a bowling change. However, what is different this season and making us win matches is the factor of somebody from the team chipping in and making it up for the one that could not on the given day. Kalyan got the first break through and with Sujay on extra power (maybe duracell energy :-))....), got into a bowling rhythm which got us well in control of the game. Sanjai bowled on an excellent disciplined line and Sujay, Dara and Kalyan kept the opponents in tizzy with their aggressive and fine bowling. What put icing on the cake was a brilliant run out by Diyyesh hitting the stumps flat and direct from deep point position. Though it was not the best display of fielding that we do, but we managed to take catches when it mattered and the running catch by Narendra followed by a sliding catch by Anand sealed the win for us and kept our unbeaten record against Knight Riders intact.
Kalyan was declared MOM for this fine performance with the bat and ball, but it was the team that selflessly defended the moment for us. Special mention to Sujay for his excellent bowling spell which never got us out of contention and also to the team cohesion which is helping our cause.
We learnt that striving takes you across the line but still there are areas in batting that need more execution and application for us to go to the end.
Momentum is a very important factor in these games and we hope that even after a lengthy break our winning habit sticks to us.
Go Thunders !!!
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