Match report for game 5 vs Omnitech at Jefferson

Himalayan win by 2 wkts.
Highlights: Srini - 56 (5 sixes), Jana- 23 (3 sixes), Srujit - 22 & 3 catches, Chandresh - 4 wkts, Vijay I. - 3 wkts

This was our 4th match of the season against Omnitech and we were eager for a win after some disappointing performances in the previous 2 games. It was beautiful day at the Jefferson grounds with very comfortable temperatures forecast. There was a major delay in starting the match with the matting not being in good condition to be used. The guys went up to Bucklodge to get a replacement and this caused the game to be shortened to 30 overs a side.
Omnitech won the toss and elected to bat first. We got off to a great start with some disciplined bowling by Srini and Kunal with only 14 runs on the board after the first power play. Chandresh’s spell saw the wickets start to fall with some excellent catching by our fielders. Srujith took 3 awesome catches in the deep with one being potentially the catch of the season which saw him cover some major distance to get to the high ball. Chandresh got the first 4 wicket haul of the team and secured himself a trophy. Vijay I came in and bowled very well as well to get himself 3 wickets, the catches from Srini, Chandresh and Vijay I kept the Omnitech score to 137 at the end of 30 overs.

The return of Srini to the batting lineup proved to be a match winner for us. His knock of 56 runs was blistering with 5 sixes in the mix. He was hitting the ball so hard that his bat cracked and had to call for a replacement which did not hinder his onslaught. Our middle order did not hold well and we kept losing wickets until Srujith and Jana put on a great fight with Jana smacking 3 sixes in his quick 23. Sher and Vijay I saw us home with excellent patience and calmness. Sher was challenged by Omnitech’s opening bowler who came on to bowl his final spell, the bowler was playing mind games on Sher by taking long to bowl and trying to size him up. But Sher’s solid defence allowed us to get home without any more damage with 2 wickets and 13 balls to spare. This was a close and exciting win for us that will certainly lift the morale and spirit of the team to get back in to our winning ways.

By the way, a BBC reporter was at the ground to cover the game for a Radio show about cricket in the US to be aired on BBC radio in London, so keep a look out for the links once the show airs!
Great win guys!!

Written by Lalindra Jayatilleke