The second match of the Prem Ranjan tournament was scheduled between two sides notable in their own regards. On one hand, you have HS16, a side that has shown glimpses of immense potential in campaigns that have never crossed the semifinal stages. In their third tournament, the side would have surely been desirous of a good start . On the other hand, you have the behemoth of the tournament, HS14, two time winner and four time finalist. Having taken the tournament by storm since their debut, this team has by large been the flag-bearer of the cricketing scene within and outside the department. Now in their last run , the veterans would also want to top off their illustrious record with a third trophy. A casual observer would have expected a cakewalk for HS14. What went on to happen at the Sangam grounds however, was a game that went down to the wire, featuring performances of great heart from both sides.
The toss was won by HS14 who chose to bowl. Just before the innings began, there was a guard of honor to commemorate the start of HS14’s last campaign. Sai and Athul began the proceedings for the batting order. The innings began on a firm note, the openers making their intentions of a healthy score very evident. Sai, the more reticent of the openers, played second fiddle to Athul and anchored the innings with sensible strike rotation. Athul was his usual marauding self, dispatching balls to the leg side. He stood firm against the best of the HS14 lineup; one whose repute lies in being equally creative, consistent and lethal. The match was getting a little charged and the commentary from the stands had no small part in this. Just as it would seem that the batters were about to set themselves for the long haul, Biyas from HS14 flipped the tables, claiming Sai’s scalp in the 4th over. Next came Libin, the captain of the side. From here, the batting lost pace. Santosh and co. stepped up the ante with dot balls, also making strike rotation difficult. Athul was intent on making heads crane skywards, though his swings were becoming successful only infrequently. Libin was struggling to define his stay and it soon came to a close in the 9th over, Biyas effecting a Jonty Rhodes like leap to demolish the non strikers end. Athul followed soon after, falling to Santosh in the last over. His jaunty innings formed the bulk of HS16’s score, with a healthy portion of 66 runs. The HS16 innings closed at a score of 114 runs for the loss of 3. While certainly a tidy score, it would require a lot more to pose a challenge to the HS14 batsmen, as proficient in the art of willow wielding as they were in bowling.
Nityanshu and Biyas stepped forth to begin the chase. Libin opened the bowling. The first two balls were dots, seemingly threatening, but of little concern to the batsmen. The next ball resulted in an explosion of mayhem, as Libin uprooted Nityanshu’s stumps. It was an incredible start to the game and the first assertion of dominance from HS16. Monish came out next. But the mayhem was yet to cease. The second over by Athul was much more startling, as Biyas’ attempted loft was snatched mid air by Sai Chandan in his best effort yet as wicket keeper. The statesman of the team had fallen. Mixed expressions of dismay and exultation were writ large on the faces of everyone spectating. This was not what was supposed to be happening. It now lay on Monish and Santosh to set things right.
Monish is a flamboyant batsman, maybe not as fierce as Athul or the other notable batsmen in intent. But the carefree flair this former institute player carries belies a potential for devastation. And staying true to his style, Monish emerged as the saviour for HS14, keeping the innings afloat with a breezy 48 runs, also taking pressure off Santosh in the process. He departed in the 6th over losing his stumps to a pacy one from Susmit. Aiswarya came out next but her stay was cut short with a swollen arm. Sukruth came out but his wicket was cleaned soon by Libin in his final spell in the 9th over. All the while, Santosh was pushing the score forward with singles, doubles and the occasional boundary. HS16 had more than a fighting chance, with excellently coordinated bowling. Santosh was the only defence between HS16 and victory.
The culmination of all this was the requirement of 14 runs from the last over. Susmit was chosen to deliver the last over. And he began with promising deliveries. But inexplicably, he lost control of the next few deliveries and Santosh did not let up at the other end, with successive boundaries. To make matters worse, Susmit followed these with extras. The match was now totally out of reach for HS16 with just a run needed from 2 balls. In an ignominious conclusion, the last ball went beyond no-ball heights and on to the ropes, as HS14 marked yet another win. The spectators flooded the pitch, celebratory calls and rejoinders filling the air. It was a testament to how close the game had been for both sides.
Nevertheless, HS16 had their grip on the game for a major portion, and they played their hearts out, Libin and Athul setting the precedent with fiery performances. This was a promising sign, if consistently maintained. It was to be seen if HS16 would be inspired enough in their next match against the PhD scholars. A win having secured their semi final slot, their next match was against the Scholars, after HS16’s fixture. It was going to be more of a matter of pride than necessity, the Scholars being a competent side themselves.
Article by Rahul Jose
Photographs by Sathyapriya and Ajsal
Article 19 