Knights second team keep top place

Midrand Knights chairperson Jeremy Meiring said, “Both teams are in very good form, and in the running for league honours, which just added fuel to the rivalry.”

The start of the match was delayed due to a wet outfield, and was subsequently shortened to 35 overs a side.

“Midrand Knights, who are the current log leaders, won the toss and elected to send the third-placed Midrand Cricket Club in to bat on a wet and damp Astro wicket,” said Meiring.

The host, Midrand Knights, quickly found their rhythm, with Somu Shekar and left-arm swing bowler Vijay Kumar hitting their straps early on. The duo bowled accurately and put the hosts under tremendous pressure.

“This sustained pressure led to off-spinner Shumail Ahmad (3/30 in seven overs) and medium fast bowler Vinesh Reddy (2/14 in four overs) picking up wickets at regular intervals, to restrict the visitors to 118/9 in 35 overs,” explained Meiring.

He said the run chase started “pretty well”, with Rajaram Bingi (35) playing another important knock for the hosts. Bingi and Reddy (21) made sure that the win was on the cards, with an important partnership of 50 runs for the second wicket. Amar Jammulla (19*) also carried on with his good form, and took the home side to 119/5 in the 20th over.

Midrand Knights won by six wickets, and retained their top spot on the SA8 log.

“Midrand Knights first team was desperately unlucky to have their match against Delfos Cricket Club called off, due to unfit playing conditions as a result of persistent rain. It was very disappointing as the first team was looking to extend their winning steak to nine in a row.”

Meiring said the result put a lot of pressure on the team as the other top sides had played and won their matches. “Knights first team should still be on top of the SA7 log,” he added.