Pitching up with action
The Underdogs and Paradise match-up was concluded early due to bad light, but it would seem that Underdogs had the game in the bag, as they had Paradise on the backfoot.
Boundaries, bails in the air, and diving catches have come to the forefront of Newcastle grounds, as the Northern District Cricket Association (NDCA) launched this year’s league last week.
The opening game last week Tuesday provided some interesting talking points as last season’s giants, Phoenix clashed with rivals SAPS, in the City Cellular and Electronic Night League.
The 25 over game proved to be too much for the SAPS side, as the team collapsed early on to a dismal 83 all out against the impressive bowling attack from Phoenix.
Phoenix’s Graham Sharp finished with excellent bowling figures of five-14.
Jordan Kinsley batted superbly for Phoenix posting a great first game score of 42 not out. Teammate and opening batsman Nico Juan also managed a strong 21 to ensure his team won the game by nine wickets.
SAPS captain, Imraan Ghafhoor admitted his team had not played anywhere near their best, with the only consolation coming to his team in the form of star-batsman, Nasir’s high scoring 28 run innings.
“We needed this thrashing. Now the guys will be determined to focus and win back the league,” he said.
Both teams are aiming for a top of the table finish.
On Saturday the day league began with Asians facing SAP at the Paradise Grounds, and Underdogs played off against Paradise at the Arbor Park Sports Grounds.
The Underdogs and Paradise match-up was concluded early due to bad light, but it would seem that Underdogs had the game in the bag, as they had Paradise on the backfoot.
Underdogs had posted a score of 169 during the team’s batting session. Paradise came into the chase, posting a total of 72 before the game was called off. Paradise needed a further 103 runs in five overs at this time.
During the SAPS and Asians match-up, SAPS proved to have gained a bit more of last season’s strength back, but the team’s, inconsistent bowling proved to be its downfall as it succumbed to a 50 run loss to the strong batting of Asians.
Mohammed Bala and Altaf Topia were Asian’s star batsmen posting an extremely impressive partnership that definitely helped the team reaching a total of 170.
Altaf was voted Batsmen of the Season last season and the half-century he achieved during the game was testament to his continued excellence as a batsman.
Mohammed is a new player for Asians and is no stranger to the field, having played provincially for India before moving to South Africa.
Captain of Asians, Usman Desai opened the batting for his side with a strong 28 runs, which was compounded by fellow opener Shuaib’s post of 36.
SAPS pace bowler, Saakib, bowled a bit too many extras for his side, and the lack of swing in the pitch meant he was put away to the boundary easily at times.
He still managed an impressive two-wicket maiden over when he claimed the wicket of danger-man Mohammed Bala before he became too comfortable at the crease.
Cricket matches are played ever Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Paradise A-Grounds, from 6pm, and every Saturday from 2pm, and the NDCA community has called on residents to come out and support the cricketing action.
