Author Credit : Rajib Das
A cricket buff, I have no doubt, will respond the question incorrectly if you inquire him which country has invented T-20 Cricket. A simple answer coming into everyone’s mind would be either South Africa or India. Accurate reply should be Minneapolis – Cricket ball tennis tournament; a romantic dream of a glorious day at the Shakopee ground, with Monty hitting fours and sixes on every ball and batting forever – what a wonderful sight to watch for Bombay Boys Cricket lovers. This has been fifth year and this time the tournament is recognized as ‘MTBC Trophy’.
It is too early to comment that Bombay Boys is impregnable, as they have not faced the real music yet in this tournament though they have managed to win four consecutive games this year. But needless to say they are so far playing dominant cricket bringing smile to their expectator. This match purview is portrayed entirely on the game played between Bombay Boys and Company on last Saturday. Those who wouldn’t spend an afternoon watching an exacting and gripping run crawl in, say, BB versus Company, were shedding tears for the traditions of the great game.
In an era of slam-bang cricket(IPL), Bombay Boys came out with a strategy straight out of early 90s concept: win the toss, bat, see off the new ball, keep wicket in hands, accelerate and put up a respectable total. Chakra, BB’s skipper after winning the toss, never hesitated to elect bat first. The pitch wasn't conducive to stroke play early and both opener bided their time. Slow but steady start from BB puts 21 in initial 6 overs when BB lost their first wicket. It was not a day for Monty who scored almost every match, shortly he fall off when score was 35/3 after ten overs. Opener Asif contributed valuable 10 as he was promoted batting order. Ketan and Anand were two rapid snuffles for opponent though Anand hit a huge six- only one in BBs innings. At this point BB was really grappling to get some run in score board until stroke maker Arun and Mr wall Satchit played few crucial shots for BBs. Arun was 11 when he decided he had enough and Satchit on 13. Both could not gauge the low bounce from Aravind Bellan, storming off the wicket. After 15 overs BB was somewhere near 56 for 5. Everyone was onto their feet to see a good competitive total for BB. Quick contribution from Chakra(9) and Vikram(8) at the end ensured BB stayed in the fight slumming up a total of 86 in 20 overs.
Eighty six on its normal day wasn’t a safe total to defend for any team and one or two bad over could have vacillated the match to opponent’s bag. Chakra warned everyone about this at the break. A new strategy called ‘Mind Game’ was probable addition in this team to carry forward to the rival who was in daydream to beat the team that showed their stature in last three matches. Bowler Ketan and Asif made a tight start for BB fastening the seat belt for Company’s opener. After five overs they were in 16/1. Company was progressing steadily towards their target without loosing wicket when everyone was bit worry about, specially BB’s supporter I am sure of :). You need a profound cricket vision when you are stuck in mud on the field. Chakra tactfully utilize Arun on such occasion when wicket was badly needed for BB. And of all surprises Arun stood up as best bowler on right moment for the team clinching 4 magnificent wickets in 14 runs. Monty was not far apart while competing with his team mate in terms of wicket taking capabilities(4 overs – 13 runs – 3 wickets). Chakra initially struggled, finding out his length(10 runs in his first over) but unfurled thrillingly (consuming only 15 runs in 4 over), like a caterpillar escaping its chrysalis. Bowler would be successful when his fielders supported him full fledge. On the ground Ashish, Anand, Aravind, Ketan were exuberant, but WK Namjoshi was outstanding. He saved so many extras in this match probably add the right life line for the team by setting up few examples – how to do. At the end Company succumbed to 65 all out maintaining 21 runs victory for BB. This was a great team effort came up at right moment against right team.
Of course cheer leaders are happy as BB attained top of the table in this tournament, but their expectation is not so small to their erstwhile champion(2005). They definitely covet to witness their beloved team standing tall at the end of the day becoming champion this time. Every one(Bhavin bhai, Vikas bhai, Feroz, Nagesh, Nitin, Venu, Deepa, Sunaina with her new hair style, Asif bhabi :) - list is long) in BB stand has become part of the family – come for the team to cheer up, shout and deliver what ever best they can for BB. This is indeed a pleasant feeling as part of the team. THANK YOU is really a tiny word for them. I believe all BB player will show HATS OFF to them. We play for them we win for them and we will become ultimate champs for THEM.
Three cheers for Bombay Boys..Hip Hip Hurray.. Congratulation team, keep up the same spirit till end.
Cheers
Author
Official Website: www.cricketmn.com
