Pickwick T20 versus Nomads

Ruan’s fighting knock steadied the inning while wickets kept falling at the other end, Lucky’s contribution brought WCC to a decent total, especially after his long break to before training & cricket, little cameo of Sahan and Anoop at the later part of the inning made sure that WCC bowlers have something to defend against defending champions, Zurich Nomads, elected to bat first after winning the toss.

All the players were exited for their first official match of the season against defending double champions, also were in a healthy mindset after having two pre-season friendly wins against same team. Debutantes Kasun, Suhash, Sahan, Rob and Anoop got the honor of wearing RED BAGGY (not the baggy cap as usually do in cricket) and they looked great in red.
Ruan and Kasun opened the inning for WCC and from the very first ball, Nomads proved why they were double champions last year, with discipline bowling and advanced level showcase of fielding. Kasun (4) found himself short of crease after a confusion of calling for a short run. Dipi came in, got bowled for a golden duck, was trying to send ball out of park for an in swinging full length ball. Ruan and Lakmal fought hard to bring WCC to a respectable position; Lucky played his anchor role while Ruan was sneaking boundaries here and there, against a great show of leg spin from Shafqat. Ruan(43) caught in covers while trying to play against the spin, Lucky(17) got bowled for another Shafqat blinder. WCC were in need of partnership after two quick wickets, but collapse continued. Selva(8) tried to stop the flow of wickets, but eventually got out from leggie Shafqat. Sahan and Anoop together, worked hard to bring the total over 100 runs mark and found WCC 116/ao in 19.1 overs, which was about 40 runs below the par.
WCC went to field for second inning knowing they have to bowl well & field sharp to grab any win there defending such a low score. WCC captain Tom worked out his tricks, opened the bowling with Anoop and Lucky from other end with intention to have some quick early wickets, which was the only way to win the game. Once again, Nomads openers, Ashwin and Faheem exhibited their class; hitting the bad balls away while respecting good ones. Faheem made an excellent 62 while Ashwin(34) supporting from the other end.
Nomads lost 3 wickets when the win was obvious for them, Suhash took a great diving catch to send Faheem off, Selva took another blinder diving to a dying ball in front of him from slip cordon. Still Nomads managed to cross the winning line effortlessly with 9 overs to spare. It was not the best day in the field for WCC, dropping few catches; they were not in full energy, which was required to defend a low score like 120.

Gone were gone, lessons were learned, but it is not the end of the world. WCC will come back strong, stronger than any other day. Keep your heads up boys, dream the cup, plan for next game, and train hard. It is not yet over!