13 JULY

SRILANKAN CC v TAJ PAVILION

Needing just one point from this game to stand alone at the top of the league table, the Srilankans did much more than that, making this the ninth win in their remarkable unbeaten season.

Taj batted first, opener Waquas making 38 in a promising start for Taj. But none of the Taj batters were able to follow his lead and their innings finished on a very respectable 146 ao. Against the powerful Srilankan batting lineup this was perhaps a few runs short of safety. Asanka took 3 wickets and Dileepa 4.

Not for the first time the Srlankan reply revolved around captain Dileepa. Openers Danuka and Niroshan fell cheaply, inviting Dileepa to an early appearance at the crease.

In usual fashion he started with two boundaries and hardly let up until he was eventually caught on 60, with the game almost safe. Anju (20) Riance (13no) and Asanka (13) went on to finish the game for the Srilankans in the 23 over, 148 for the loss of 6 wickets. Askar, Sony and Shaleru taking two wickets apiece.

Taj Pavilion 146 ao (3 points)

Srilankan CC 148-6 (8 points)

MOUFFLONS V WSBA

(Muhammad writes)

WSBA hosted Limassol Moufflons CC at Happy Valley Cricket Grounds on the last day of the 2008 league season.Moufflons after winning the toss decided to bat first. For Moufflons Rubel & Colin went out to see the opening ball pair of Rafiq & Hughes.

After watching Rubel playing out a maiden over from Rafiq - Colin was up against the challenge of Hughes. Hughes with his good line & length got the better of Colin and within his first over gave WSBA a dream start by

cleaning up Colin. Raju promoted up the order, went in to accompany Rubel in the middle. Both batsmen with their sensible approach were rotating the strike withease until Rafiq bowling the 7th over of the innings got rid of both Rubel & Raju in the same over. Rubel caught at mid-off, where Andy Mulkern running back took a left handed diving stunner & Raju caught in the slips after getting dropped on the previous ball.Muhammad joined Ghaffar in the middle and the 18 runs partnership between the two lasted only till the first drinks break when Ghaffar on the stroke of drinks gave debutant Ahmad his first wicket - once again finding the safe hands of Andy Mulkern at mid-off. Moufflons reached drinks (12 overs) with score at 38 and 4 wickets down.Darryl Davies joined Muhammad after the drinks break and got cleaned up after negotiating the first 5 balls of the over - a wicket maiden from Rafiq.

In the following over debutant Ahmad got rid of dangerous looking Muhammad - caught at mid-off by Andy Mulkern. Couple of overs later Peter Bond joined the rest of the top order batsmen when Khan accounted for his wicket. Moufflons were a rocky 51 for 7 after 21 overs, when Yasir joined Alamgir in the middle. Yasir playing his 3rd match and without any score to his name whole season and Alamgir playing his first match decided to prolong the innings for as long as possible.

With completely different approaches - Yasir using the long handle & Alamgir with nudges and pushes took the score to 75 at the second drinks break (24 overs).

After the drinks break two batsmen started dominating the bowlers and Moufflons reached 100 in the 30th over. An agitated WSBA side tried everything they possibly could to break the partnership but the two batsmen countered every WSBA attack with authority. A late flurry in the last 5 overs saw Moufflons scoring 40 runs, and reaching a respectable total of 143 for the loss of 9 wickets. Yasir contributing 36 runs before Andy getting him plumb in front and Alamgir reaching a well deserved half century before getting run out on the penultimate ball of the innings. Both batsmen were given a guard of honor on their return. A miraculous recovery by Alamgir & Yasir enabled Moufflons got hold of the two batting points. Rafiq returned with superb figures of 3 wickets for 13 wickets, and was

ably supported by Ahmad 2 wickets for 2 runs in 5 overs. Hughes, Khan, and Andy contributed with a wicket each.

Moufflons knew 143 is a defendable total - as they successfully defended it against a strong Amdocs line up at the start of the season. And with plenty of bowling resources available, Moufflons now had a clear edge on their opponents. Rubel & George were given the task to dismantle the opening pair of Spring & Khan. And it didn't took long for Rubel to get rid of Spring. Adil joined Khan in the middle; 5 different bowlers tried un-successfully to dislodge the partnership as the two bastmen took the score to 50 at the first drinks break (12 overs).

Doubts were creeping in at the drinks break, whether the pre-matchfavorites (Moufflons) have the steel to do it? as the two WSBA bastmen were cruising towards the target. After the drinks break Muhammad was introduced in to the attack.

Muhammad with his off-spin and occasional faster ones proved the x-factor. Adil got cleaned up by a faster one by Muhammad in the 13th over of the innings. Darryl Davies bowling from the other end got rid of newly arrived Morgan; but the dangerous Khan was still on the crease, and now accompanying him was none other than WSBA skipper Andy Mulkern himself. The two batsmen were taking the singles at ease, however, in the overs 19 - 22 the match comprehensively swung in Moufflons favor. When Muhammad first got rid of Khan (36) - caught in covers by George, and then in the following over cleaned up Hughes with another faster one. In between Khan & Hughes' wicket, Darryl got rid of Kazim and WSBA were wobbling after 22 overs with 6 wickets down and 85 runs on the board. Andy Mulkern along with Dean took the score to 90 at the second drinks break (24 overs - 6 wickets down).

50 runs were needed in the last ten overs; WSBA had 4 wickets in hand, and Andy Mulkern still on the crease.

Andy with his sensible approach was dispatching the bad balls to the boundaries and was protecting the tail by taking singles on the last

ball of the overs. With only 25 runs needed off the last 3 overs, Dan Comina fielding at Long On dropped a regulation catch of Andy Mulkern and it looked like as if lady luck has switched sides again. However, Moufflons' Alamgir had other ideas in his mind as he kept his composure and effectively sealed the match couple of balls later with

the wicket of Andy Mulkern (36). Rubel bowling the penultimate over got rid of Dean - who gave Andy good support for 12 overs.

14 runs were needed off the last over with only one wicket left. Rafiq tried un-successfully to clear the ropes on Yasir's bowling, however, at the end Yasir had the last laugh, as he cleaned up Rafiq on the last ball of the 35th over and in process helped Moufflons gain maximum points out of the match.

Moufflons holding on to their nerves and winning a thriller in the last over by 11 runs and securing the 5th position. Pick of the Moufflons

bowlers were Muhammad 3/31, Davies 2/15 - 6 overs, and Rubel 2/11 – 7 overs. Yasir, and Alamgir chipped in with a wicket each

Moufflons 143-9 (8 points)

WSBA 132 ao (2 points)

AYNIC v LIONS

Aynic were unable to field a team and so conceded the game to Lions

Lions (8 points)

Aynic (0 points)

6 JULY

SRILANKAN CC v AYNIC TAVERNERS

Winning this game would put the Srilankans in an unassailable position at the top of the league. And without too much fuss, win it they did.

Aynic batted first in a reduced game of 25 overs. With their usual determination they battled against the Srilankan attack of medium pace and spin to reach 106 for 6 wickets. A half century partnership between 16 year old David Bailey (36) and youth coach Ian McCarrick (32) set them on their way. Niroshan did most damage with the ball taking 3 for 16 in his 4 overs.

Despite the loss of their hard hitting opener Sampath T for 0, the Srilankans eased passed the total in 9.4 overs. Nalaga made 40, but it was their captain Dileep, with one eye on the batsman of the league award, who top scored with 53 no. The Srilankans were 104 for the loss of two wickets.

Aynic Taverners 106-6 (2 points)

Srilankan CC 108-2 (7 points)

25 over game

LIONS v TAJ PAVILION

Buoyed by their win last week over Fellows, Taj went into this game filled with optimism. Unfortunately the Lions were in no mood to indulge. Batting first they accumulated a dispiriting 205 ao in 34 overs. Askar and Dias formed the partnership of the innings worth 98 runs, with Dias on 30 and Askar punishing the unfortunate Taj bowlers with seven sixes and four fours on the way to his 86. Sampath A(24) and Roshan(20) brought up the rear. Sonu took 4 wickets with spinners Vishnu and captain Sahid Batti accounting for two apiece.

Needing a run a ball, Taj had no option but to attack. Loosing wickets rather than scoring runs they fell to 95 ao. Waquas top scored with 20 in an otherwise undistinguished Taj batting performance. Lions Manju took 3 wickets, Dilshan 3, and Sahid 2 wickets.

Lions 205 ao (8 points)

Taj Pavilion 95 ao (3 points)

DEKELIA v WSBA

Unable to raise a team, Dekelia forfeited the game to WSBA.

WSBA (8 points)

Dekelia ( 0 points)

On 61 points the Srilankan CC are all but crowned champions. Now on 53 points, a win by the Lions in their final game this Sunday at Aynic would bring them level. But then the Srilankans would have to fail miserably against Taj in their final game at the UN ground. A sliver of hope for the Lions, but not a scenario the unbeaten Srilankans are likely to entertain.

A maximum win by Mouflons, now on 40 points, in their final game against WSBA this Sunday ay Happy Valley would put them a single point above Amdocs now in fifth position on 47 points. A game Amdocs will be following nervously.

29 JUNE

SRILANKANS v LIONS

The only team who could yet unseat the undefeated Srilankan CC, last years league champions, the Lions, met their rivals in the heat cauldron of the UN ground, Nicosia. This game between the two Srilankan sides usually attracts attention, and this year the game was watched by the largest attendance of the season.

Lions, put in to bat, started well with opener Askar making a quick 37, with his team reaching 64 for 3 wickets. A promising partnership between Kapila and Taraka (13) was cut short with Tarakas run out, and with their powerhouse batsman Manju out without scoring, Lions were wobbling. It took a steadying partnership between Kapila and Sampath A (10) to put their innings back on course, accumulating 40 runs and bringing the score up to 130 when Sampath was the fifth wicket to fall. Kapila batted through with the tail, scoring 39 himself and taking the score onto 146 when, in the 28 over, his was the last wicket to fall. Anju took 3 of the Lions wickets, with spinners Dileep and Silva sharing two apiece.

The Srilamnkans started their innings in a mirror of the Lions with their hard hitting opener Sampath T looking to score quick runs. But with the score on 12, two wickets fell, Danuka and Susiri, both without scoring. Then with the score on 30 three more wickets fell, Sampath himself on 22 and Nalaga and Anju both on 0. They had been undone by Kapilas quick offspin, taking four wickets in the first two overs. Praneth (13) and Dileep managed to stop halt the onslaught, Dileep (44) riding his luck, when dropped at mid off and again at long on, to forge an innings with the middle order, Niroshan (10) and Asanka (15) to take the Srilankan score passed 100. With just two wickets to take and still 25 runs still to make, the Lions could not dislodge the determined Pradeep and Riance who managed to steer the Srilankanss home in the 22 over, with the score 147-8.

So the Srilankan unbeaten record remains intact. Although shaken after their hardest game of the season, they now have a clear run to the championship. Seasons top scorers Sampath Tsangerides with 210 runs in six games, Nalaga Agathocleus with 170, and captain Dileep top scoring with 221 in 6 appearances with 3 not outs contributing modestly to their success.

Lions 146 ao (3 points)

Srilankan CC 147-8 (8 points)

FELLOWS v TAJ PAVILION

Fellows were in need of six points to guarantee third place in the table and Taj were looking for a win over a favoured team to restore some pride in what has been, for last years league runners up, a miserable season.

Fellows were put into bat and were grateful to accept some gifted runs with some very wayward Taj bowling. But Taj soon gathered themselves back together and put together a succession of tight steady overs. After scoring quite freely Fellows found themselves pinned back and even worse loosing wickets. Wilfed went after a flurry of boundaries and this seasons top scorer Tahir after scoring only 4.This brought Kashif to the wicket and for a moment he and opener Haroon looked to have the makings of a partnership. Haroon was caught behind of Sonu for 31, and Fellows looked hopefully for no 5 Gill to build again with Kashif.  But when Kashif put up a catch into the covers Gill was on his own. He managed to steer short partnerships with the lower order on the way to his 55, an innings of four sixes and fours, taking Fellows onto a reasonable total of 166.

Confident that they had enough for their bowlers to defend, a very obdurate opening partnership of Satnan (26) and Happy (26) soon changed the Fellows minds. Their half century partnership was broken by two catches by keeper Wlfred off Kashif and Brar. No 3 and 4 bats continued with the same determination, and despite all Fellows efforts, would not concede their wickets. Twenty overs in Taj were on 84 and still only two wickets down. Askars run out was the breakthrough Fellows were desperately seeking, and capitalizing with a couple more quick wickets ,Fellows believed again that this might be their day. But Taj captain Bhatti and manager Vishnu doggedly stuck to their task, and first with singles and then with boundaries crept up and passed the Fellows total with 8 balls to spare, Bhatti topscoring on 30 no.

Fellows 166 ao (3 points)

Taj Pavilion 169-6 (8 points)

AMDOCS v WSBA

(Sunil writes)

It was a hot Sunday on 29-Jun-08. Playing their last game of the league, Amdocs were eager to take maximum points out of this game. WSBA, on the other hand, were missing lot of their players and at the start of the game, they barely managed to have 7 people on the field. Having granted the toss, Amdocs chose to bat first, which they have found to be a winning mantra this season. Soon, the opening pair put on a 50 run partnership in 10 overs. Kapil Sardana, continuing his good form, scored 36 quick runs, before he hit one straight back to the bowler. The ball deflected from the bowlerπs hand and carried to mid-off. Good anticipation from the mid-off fielder saw Kapil return back to the Pavilion with the scoreboard reading 51/1. Yogesh, Kapilπs opening partner, departed soon after scoring 14 runs. At first drinks break, Amdocs were 61/2 in 12 overs. Meanwhile, 3 more players entered the field for WSBA bringing some respite. Two new batsmen Anvay and Paritosh kept the scoreboard moving before Paritosh (playing his last game in Cyprus) was bowled after making 14 runs. Amit Chamoli joined Anvay at the center and started scoring briskly. With spin operating from both ends, Amit looked to hoist a low full toss to mid-wicket, but got a top edge and was hit next to his eyebrow and was retired hurt. Rajaram went in and started belting the ball to all parts of the park including 3 fours and 2 huge sixes. Anvay was run-out trying to take a quick single. Anvay made 26 valuable runs including 1 six. Amit came back at the fall of Anvayπs wicket and joined Rajaram in the onslaught. When Rajaram was eventually out on 44, the scoreboard showed a mammoth 160/5. Amit continued his hard hitting and made 39 runs which included four boundaries and a huge six. At the end of 35 overs, Amdocs put up a huge total of 200 for 6 wickets.

Chasing a daunting score and with only 9 people to bat, WSBA looked to deny the additional bowling point to Amdocs by trying to play out the 35 overs. Amdocs opening bowling pair of Sunil and Aman were not giving anything away to the WSBA batsmen. Sunil got one to nip back in to WSBA opening batsman Spring and bowled him through the gate to get the first breakthrough. When Aman had Emulk bowled, WSBAπs scoreboard was reading 13/2 in 10 overs. Han and Andy put a resistance and put together a partnership worth 43 runs that lasted 13 overs. Amdocs made several bowling changes in this process just to break this partnership and keep the wickets rolling. Han tried to flick one from Riyaz to find a fielder set exactly for this shot and found Rajaram at backward short leg who took a sharp stylish-looking catch. With 5 more wickets remaining and 8 overs left, Sunil brought himself on in the 28th over. The bowling change paid off when Sunil had Martin caught behind off the first ball and the well settled Andy bowled off the fourth ball of the over. Thus began the start of the collapse for WSBA. They managed to make just 82 runs in 33 overs before being all out. Sunil took 3 wickets for 12 runs in his 7 overs while Aman, Paritosh, Riyaz, Rajaram and Kapil took one wicket each.

Kapil Sardana has been the best batsman for Amdocs in the league scoring 227 from 7 games at an average of 32.43 including one 50.

Sunil Gururaj has been the best bowler for Amdocs taking 18 wickets from 9 games at an average of 12.89.

Brief Scores:

Amdocs Batting: 200/6 in 35 overs (Rajaram – 44, Amit – 39, Kapil – 36, Anvay – 26)

WSBA Bowling: Rafi - 7-1-36-1

WSBA Batting: 82 a.o in 33 overs (Han – 26, Andy – 16)

Amdocs Bowling: Sunil – 7-2-12-3, Aman – 5-2-4-1, Rajaram - 4-0-16-1, Kapil - 3-0-11-1, Paritosh - 4-0-14-1, Riyaz - 5-2-9-1

Amdocs 200-6 (8 points)

WSBA 82 ao (2 points)

MOUFFFLONS v DHEKELIA

(Muhammad writes)

Winning the toss Dhekelia decided to bat first. Whitcomb & Mathews were sent in to counter the swing of George Papa & pace of SH Rubel. Both openers started confidently and played some glorious off drives to kick start the Dhekelia innings in style. However, it didn't take long for George to get rid of Mathews (4) – thanks to a brilliant reflex catch by Qamar in the slips.

In the following over George accounted for Whitcomb (10) – caught in covers by debutant Marios Kyprianou.

Dhekelia reaching the first drinks break (10 overs) with the score at 38 for the loss of two wickets.

Soon after the drinks break Qamar cleaned up McDonald (8) to further pile the misery on Dhekelia batters. At that stage Robinson joined Sutton in the middle and the two batsmen started the repair works. Both looked comfortable and played some delightful cover drives & pull shots to guide Dhekelia to the second drinks break (20 overs) with the score at 88 for the loss of 3 wickets.

The third session of the innings was completely dominated by Dhekelia – though Muhammad & Qamar got rid of hard hitting Sutton (41) & Croasdale (20) respectively –nevertheless, Dhekelia pushed the score to 147 for the loss of 5 wickets at the end of 30 overs.

A late flurry at the end took the score to 175 for the loss of 6 wickets. Rubel getting rid of Robinson (44). While Burton (7*) & Toon (20*) remained undefeated.

Pick of the Moufflons bowlers were George Papa (2/20) & Qamar (2/23).

Moufflons had an uphill task of chasing 176 under scorching heat. A very tired looking but confident Moufflons opening pair of Rubel & Marios were sent in to counter the opening ball pair of McDonald & Sutton. With the ball moving viciously the two openers took their time to settle in.

However, soon after settling down the two openers started bludgeoning Dhekelia attack to all parts of the ground. If Marios' cover drives were a treat to watch – Rubel was not far behind with his authoritative pull and straight drives. The two openers racked up 50 runs in no time.

With drinks break not far away – a tired looking Marios (23) got caught behind by a rising delivery from McDonald. Couple of overs later Sutton accounted for Qamar (3) and Moufflons reached the first drinks break (10 overs) with the score at 59 for the loss of 2 wickets.

After the drinks break Ghaffar joined Rubel in the middle and the two batsmen with their care free approach took the score forward. However, Rubel (42) soon ran out of puff in Dhekelia heat as he got cleaned up by Sutton – only 8 runs away from a deserving half century.

Darryl Dickinson playing his last match in Cyprus joined Ghaffar in the middle and the two batsmen took the score to 113 (for the loss of 3 wickets) at the second drinks interval (20 overs).

63 runs were required in the last 15 overs with 7 wickets in hand.

Moufflons in complete control and Ghaffar playing his breathtaking strokes - ably aided by Darryl Dickinson took Moufflons passed the 150 mark. Also, in the process Ghaffar reached his maiden half century.

With victory not far away, heat took its toll on Darryl Dickinson (17) and Mathews accounted for his wicket. However, Dickinson's wicket was the last success Dhekelia bowlers enjoyed, as Ghaffar (71*) and Davies (5*) took no time in finishing things off.

A mighty performance from Moufflon's batsmen, led by Ghaffar (71*) & Rubel (42) made easy work of a competitive target of 175. Moufflons reaching the 176runs target in the 30th over for the loss of 4 wickets.

Pick of the Dhekelia bowlers was Sutton with 2 wickets. Mathews & McDonald chipped in with a wicket each.

Dhekeia 175-6 (2 points)

Moufflons 176-4 (7 points)

22 JUNE

SRILANKAN CC v MOUFFLONS

Played at the UN ground in Nicosia, in 40 degrees of unremitting heat, Moufflons wilted under the force of the Srilankans.

Batting first the openers Sampath T and Danuka pinned back the Mouflon attack. Batting for over twenty overs in a partnership worth 131 runs , Danuka was the first to fall for 42, while Sampath batted on with Anju (25) and Dileep (21) to take the score onto 248 ao, scoring 87 himself. Tipu was the best of the Mouuflon bowlers taking 4 for 25, with Muhammad following with 2 wickets.

In their last outing against Aynic Moufflons had scored 249 with opener Rubel making a century, so they had the armory to match this score. But this was not to be their day. In the face of some tight bowling from Niroshan (2 wickets),Nalaga (2 wickets) and Anju (4 wickets with a hat trick) they found themselves all out with only 90 runs scored.

The Srilankan CC are cementing their hold around the league trophy. They have not lost a game and with still three to play it will take a very good team on a very good day to beat them. Current champions Lions are due to play them this Sunday. All eyes will be on that game.

(Muhammad writes)

Moufflons after winning the toss decided to field first and take advantage of the un-predictable flicx pitch. However, the decision back fired as SriLankans openers Sampath (87) and Danuka (42) racked-up 125 runs without losing any wicket in the first 11 overs.

Moufflons attacked weakened by injury to Rubel during the game and withdrawal of several first team pacers suffered under extreme Nicosia heat.

As Moufflons struggled to find any luck with the pacers the ball was handed over to spinners to try and break the shackles.

The over-confident SriLankans openers' eyes lit up when they saw spinners coming in to action, and without hesitation decided to go after the off spin of Darryl Dickinson & Tipu.

Ably supported by the fielders the two off spinners ran through the SriLankans top order, sharing between them 7 wickets for 95 runs. A mind-boggling score board of 125/0 (11 overs) was soon displaying 240 all out.

Sampath (87), Danuka (42), Dileepa (21), Niroshan (15), Anju (25) were the main run getters. For Moufflons Tipu 4 wickets & Dickinson 3 wickets were pick of the bowlers.

Special mention must go to Rubel for taking some excellent catches (despite injury) and bringing back Moufflons in the game - including the unmatchable diving effort at square leg !

In reply to SriLankans 240; Moufflons started confidently, and at one stage with score at 40/2 after 9 overs – it looked like Moufflons are coping well with the task.

However, the unpredictable flicx pitch lived up to its expectations as Moufflons lost three wickets in one over and a delighted Anju celebrated his hat-trick with wickets of Rubel (ball rolling on to stumps after hitting the pitch), Darryl (ball crashing the gate after keeping low), and Muhammad (a dubious LBW decision with a ball going down the leg and batsman 3 meters outside the crease with a leg stump guard).

The tail wagged on and took Moufflons past the 70 run mark to ensure that Moufflons at least get one batting point out of the game – in addition to already gained 2 bowling points.

Pick of the SriLankans bowlers were Anju (4 wickets) and Niroshan (2 wickets). For Moufflons extras (28) top scored – in addition to Rubel (27) & Raju's (18) hard fought innings.

A guard of honor was given to Mustafa on his return to the dressing room for making his first league run of the season.

Darryl Dickinson will leave Cyprus happy after playing his last match of the season. John can proudly say that his Dad was one of the best bowlers on the day. Thank you John for fielding in place of Rubel under scorching heat ! The match was played in great spirits and both teams ended the day with hand shakes!

Srilankan CC 248 ao (8 points)

Moufflons 90 ao (3 points)

AMDOCS v FELLOWS

Sunil writes

Amdocs won the toss and did not have to think twice to bat first. Cyprus National team opening bowling pair of Mike Kyriakou and Chris Markides started very well for Fellows giving away nothing. Amdocs opening pair of Kapil Sardana and Yogesh Davel found it hard to find the gaps. First bowling change for Fellows broke the partnership as Yogesh was out lbw to Zaman in the 7th over of the innings and the scoreboard reading only 8 runs, Fellows were on top. Anil Nair joined Kapil in the middle and started cautiously but steadily. At the first drinks break, Amdocs were a meager 35/1 in 12 overs. Kapil and Anil started hitting freely and remained at the crease to see the second drinks break managing to move the score to 110/1 in 24 overs with Kapil on 47 and Anil on 41. During this period, Fellows skipper Mike made several bowling changes to get a breakthrough and also giving their bowlers a break from the scorching heat. Kapil elegantly glanced the first ball after the drinks break to the fine leg boundary bringing up his maiden 50 in Cyprus and followed it with a cut past point for another boundary. It took a full 19 overs and 110 runs before Fellows could find the breakthrough. Anil, looking to clear the ropes, missed and Zaman hit. Anil got a well crafted 42 runs. Amit Chamoli joined Kapil in the center and made a quick fire 20 runs before being out off the bowling of Mike. It was the 31st over and Kapil wanted to push his scoring rate to make quick runs for himself as well as the team. Trying to hit right past the bowler, Kapil misread a ball from Gill and was bowled. A fine innings of 72 came to an end. Paritosh and Rajaram scored freely and ensured there were no further casualties. Paritosh made 15 runs while Rajaram made 17. The last over from Brar saw 15 runs being scored including a huge six off the first ball from the bat of Rajaram. At the end of 35 overs, Amdocs had made 188 for the loss of only 4 wickets thus denying any bowling points to the strong Fellows bowling attack.

Fellows knowing that they had a hard target to achieve to increase their lead in the league, started with Haroon and Wilfred. However, Wilfred was out in the fourth ball of the innings, edging an outswinger off the bowling of Amdocs skipper Sunil Gururaj. Amdocs were on top. Tahir joined Haroon and both of them batted cautiously to see off the new ball while dispatching the odd one to the boundary. At the other end, Shino Kurian sharing the new ball bowled a very good spell giving away nothing but unlucky not to get a wicket, the ball missing the stumps narrowly several times. At the first drinks break, Fellows were 49/1 in 12 overs and were in a good position with ample batting on the bench. With the partnership on 88 Tahir was bowled by Rajaram, making a good 36 runs. Matti joined Haroon with the score reading 89/2 and started hitting freely. Amdocs made several bowling changes and Sunil brought himself on after the second drinks break. The scoreboard was reading 118/2 in 24 overs. The ball was still swinging and the gentle medium pace and swing made it hard for the batsmen to score freely. Needing 71 runs in 11 overs and 8 wickets intact, Matti tried to push the run rate and misjudged an inswinger from Sunil to see his leg stump rattled. He made 25 runs in this process. Amdocs started to put pressure on the Fellows batsmen not giving too many runs. Brar (7), Gill (0), Mike (2) and Zaman (2) failed to capitalize on the good start and were bowled. Brar and Gill fell to Paritosh. Mike was bowled by Amit and Zaman by Rajaram. The required run-rate was shooting up and Haroon did not have anybody to support him. It felt as if he was fighting a lone battle. Needing 19 runs off the last two overs, Fellows managed to score only 5 runs off the penultimate over and also lost their skipper, Mike. 13 runs were required off the last over. With Haroon still around, it was quite possible. But Haroon wanted to keep the strike himself and denied a few singles that could have taken the Fellows closer to their target. Fellows managed only 5 runs in the last over bowled by Rajaram and also lost Zaman. Fellows finished the 35 overs making 180/7. Haroon carried his bat through the innings and remained unbeaten on 71. There were a few caught behind decisions that Amdocs felt did not go in their favour. Amdocs managed to keep their cool under the pressure in a fiercely fought game and went home with 7 points while Fellows managed to get 2 batting points.

Brief Scores:

Amdocs Batting – 188/4 in 35 overs (Kapil - 72, Anil - 42, Amit – 20, Paritosh – 15 n.o, Rajaram – 17 n.o)

Fellows Bowling – (Mike – 7-1-20, Zaman – 7-2-35, Gill – 7-1-46)

Fellows Batting – 180/7 in 35 overs (Haroon – 71 n.o, Tahir – 36, Matti – 25)

Amdocs Bowling – (Sunil – 7-2-28, Rajaram – 7-2-27, Paritosh – 7-2-21, Amit – 3-1-17)

Amdocs 188-4 (7 points)

Fellows 180-7 (2 points)

DEKELIA v CYPRUS COLLEGE FLAMES