by sportswriter Raj "I can bowl outswingers" Mohan
Misfits hosted Spirits in the first of the two-match series this season at the CSC ground. On a hot day, Misfits played the perfect host as captain Inzy chose to field.
John Sist and Kalpesh opened the batting for Spirits, and their contrasting styles were soon on display. John scored the bulk of the runs early on, while Kalpesh plodded along. Kalpesh eventually came to the party with some bold hits, but was guilty of being part of the trendy "occupy" movement - occupying the crease was Kalpesh's cause. John cashed in whenever he had a chance, blasted eight fours and reached 50 before falling to the inscrutable Anil Scott at the stroke of the first water break. Spirits were 1 for 98.
Following the drinks break, Inzy brought on another friendly bowler, Andy Covil, at the other end. What a master-stroke this turned out to be. Covil and Scott ran amok, squeezing the life out of the famed Spirits middle order that included the likes of Rajesh a.k.a Little Giri (caught for 14), Gaurav G Man (golden duck) and Sandeep "blaady hell" Puri (1 to Covel). Kalpesh was lured by Covel's girth, sorry flight, only to be stumped for 38. Some rearguard action by Ali and Abhishek, followed by some lusty blows by Graeme, Chiro and Rammy took the Spirits score to an imposing 232 in 30 overs.
Inzy and Dene opened the batting for Misfits and enjoyed what was served up by Raj and G Man. Runs flowed until Inzy played all over a G Man ball to be bowled for 5. While Dene raced to his 50, Abhishek's bounce and pace restricted the scoring at one end. "El Presidento" Hanspal took out Mike Velappan but could not prevent the flow of runs. Misifts saw through the spell of Abhishek, who was brilliant and unlucky not to have got more wickets. His spell read 6.0.24.1 and could have easily bagged a few more.
Simmo and Nara were never out of sight of the asking rate, Simmo particularly severe with two huges sixes and four fours. Sandeep's nagging length accounted for Simmo, who couldn't resist another wild swing and Sist did the rest. A crucial breakthrough and Spirits were back in the race. Nara too retired after his well-crafted 50.
The chase was still on as Misfits crossed 200 in the 25th over, with Dene and Nara to follow if required. At the fall of the eighth wicket, Misfits needed 15 runs with 9 balls left and in walked Dene to join Anil Scott in the middle. It soon became 8 needed of the last over. Dene then was brilliantly caught by Graeme on the boundary - a diving one-handed catch on the run - off G Man. Nara walked out but G Man had the last laugh, restricting them to just four runs in the last over. Spirits won by 4 runs.
So, another close encounter between two greats sides, keeping our great tradition of social cricket alive and kicking.
My MOM - Abhishek for his 1 for 24. My Wooden Spoon - Abhishek for fielding like Amar.
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