Facing the HS16 in the third match of Prem Ranjan Memorial Cricket tournament at Sangam ground, it was a do or die game for HS15. At the same time, HS16 was aiming to book a berth in the semis by knocking HS15 out of the tournament. Having lost to Ph.D. scholars already, HS15 had to win this match. Playing the match on a better pitch (when compared with their previous game), HS15 decided to bat first against a fair bowling line-up of HS16. In the absence of Melwin, Vimal came out to open the innings along with the skipper Aswin. Savio opened the bowling attack for HS16. Aswin had the responsibility of taking HS15 to a respectable total and HS16 was keen on getting Aswin’s wicket. Aswin had been struggling throughout the tournament to bat in his natural flamboyant manner because of this responsibility. Aswin’s innings came to an abrupt end after he pulled a short of a good length ball just outside off-stump from HS16 captain Libin straight into the safe hands of Athul at long on. Managing to get Aswin out for 1, HS16 hoped to get the rest of the team back to the pavilion cheaply. Thanks to some great bowling from Irene and Libin, HS16 ripped through the top order until Karnalius who came at number 7 scored a quick-fire 39 out of 20 balls (3*4 & 4*6) to take the team to a respectable score of 79 for 9 from 29 for 5. With wickets falling at the other end, Karnalius fell only in the last over followed by Sourav when HS15 finished with a decent 80 on board. Libin ended up with figures of 6-22 and Irene with 3-13.
Chasing a target of 80 runs in ten overs, Athul and Sai made an opening partnership of 39 before Sai falling in the third over to Malavika. Failure to contain the aggressive Athul along with lost balls and a dropped catch of Athul was proving to be fatal for HS15. On a well-set platform, Athul and Libin went on to finish off things for HS16 with 9 wickets remaining and Athul staying unbeaten at 60 of 25 balls including 5 fours and 6 sixes. HS16 has ensured their place in the semis.
Report by Libin John.
Article 19 