Knights are on top
HALFWAY HOUSE - Midrand Knights Cricket Club's second team has clinched the SA8 league title.
Chairperson of the club, Jeremy Meiring said the win came after the SA8 side defeated Azad Swaraj Sporting Cricket Club by 43 runs at Kinght’s Halfway House Primary.
“We won the toss and elected to bat first. It was a decision that captain Suman Choudary, must have regretted at the time, as the opposition made early in roads into Knights’ top order. At one stage we were 34/4,” said Meiring.
He explained that the innings was stabilised by Yugender Gatike (30) and Suman Choudary (17) with a 50-run partnership. After the skipper lost his wicket, the wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals. Knights were ultimately dismissed for 142 in the 37th over.
“With the league title on the cards, we defended that total with vigor and energy that was unparalleled this season. The opposition never had a chance, the way the Knights bowlers went about their business,” said Meiring.
Man of the match, Ravi Kishore troubled the visitors throughout a magical spell of 5/13 in 6 overs and single-handedly made sure that 142 was a winning score.
Azad Swaraj was ultimately dismissed for 99. The win secured the SA8 league title with two matches to go.
“I would like to congratulate captain Choudary, vice captain Rajaram Bingi and the rest of the second team on a flawless season where we only lost two matches,” said Meiring.
He said the club’s third placed first team had a top of the table, crunch match, against league leaders Glenvista.
“Glenvista only lost one match the entire season, and carried on with their good form by strangling Knights’ top order. They had the best bowling attack in the league by a long shot, and bowled us out for a lowly 127. Sai Lingala (33) was the only batsmen who scored any runs of note,” said Meiring.
He said the bowling line-up had to bail out the team.
Knights started well, taking quick wickets, with mention of bowlers Srini Vadlamuri and Adril D’Almeida, made the opposition struggle at 45/6 after 20 overs. With advantage to the batting side, they chased the total down in the 34th over, with seven wickets down.
“Well done guys, we fought valiantly in defense of a very low score,” said Meiring.
The first team is currently in third position on the log and Meiring thought they should end the season in that position.
“With two matches to go, we only lost four times,” concluded Meiring.
