Report by Sathy
Summary: Blazers defeat Indus by 113 runs
Blazers: 237/5 (Anirudh 79, Parth 45)
Indus: 124 all out in 35 overs (Chetan, Sathy, Tejas – 3 wkts each)
Blazers Innings: With 2 must win games with big margins to secure a top spot and a promotion in the league, Blazers played against Indus on Sunday at Ortega. Tejas won the toss and put Blazers to bat with Jag and Parth opening the innings. Jag tried to clear the 30 yard, mistimed one and got caught in the covers in the 2nd over. Anirudh went in and started to build a partnership with Parth. Both of them looked solid in defense and rotated the strikes patiently and at the end of the 15 overs Blazers were 35 for 1.
Both of them now settled in the middle started to ramp the scoring with calculated shots. Anirudh cruised to a well-made half century and Parth supporting him good at the other end; both played the entire session without losing a wicket and at the end of 30 overs Blazers were 112/1. The 116 run stand between them came to an end with Parth getting out after a well-made 45 runs. Sparsith went in started his innings with a big six and accelerated the scoring along with Anirudh. The runs were coming freely with Sparsith clearing the boundaries at ease. He got out after a quick fire cameo of 28 runs with the score at 173 for 4 in 36 overs. Sathy joined Anirudh who was playing a magnificent innings at the other end. Anirudh mistimed a cut and got caught at point after a fabulous knock of 79 runs. That’s a century in any other bay area ground given the lush green field at Ortega. Sathy and Teju batted the rest of the overs to set Indus a target of 237 runs in 45 overs.
Indus Innings: Arun D started the bowling for Blazers with nagging line and length and immediately struck in the first over. The opener tried to flick him and Cheetah took an awesome catch at square leg. Ajay opened at the other end with his classic left arm spin giving nothing away easily. At the end of 7 overs they were 19 for 1. Ajay struck in the 8th over as the pressure was building up; with the batsman trying to clear him over covers got caught by Anirudh. Sathy and Cheetah were introduced into the attack. Sathy and Cheetah got 3 wickets between them. At the end of 15 overs Indus were 56 for 5.
Sparsith was introduced into the attack and he stricked immediately thanks to an excellent running catch by Nachi at extra cover. Indus realizing they are not going to win this game from here on started playing very defensively. After almost wicket less for 12 overs; Jag fielded brilliantly to stop a single and hit the wicket directly to bring a run out to end the long partnership. With intentions clear from Indus who wanted to play the entire 45 overs without looking for a win; captain introduced himself and Jag to the attack. Jag bowled well but Teju was bowling brilliantly as he gave the ball enough air and loop which took the batsman by surprise. Unable to cope with his guile and variation they folded quickly with Teju ending up with 3 wickets for 7 runs; the pick of the bowlers. Indus were all out for 124 in 35 overs. Good win for Blazers.
MOM: Anirudh
MVP: Parth
Sunnyvale Cricket Club 