Author Credit : Rajib Das
Bombay Boys launched their knock out campaign in an emphatic manner, routing minnows(I called so to commensurate their name, originally they are very spirited team) Howitzers by 34 runs in their quarter final match in University Ground on super Sunday.
Electing to bat, BB rattled up a decent 91 for eight, riding on marvelous knock of 31 runs by Vikram Namjoshi , practicing well ahead of clash against arch-rivals Geeks on next Saturday.They then bundled out the opponents for a paltry 57 in 14 overs to register their one of the best victory margin, the highest being 87-run win against Pinch Hitters in last match.BB started the match from the point where they had left off in last match. Feeling the same hit in mind they were just about to engulf the opponent right from the beginning.
Fierce speed star Arun Kadam (4/23) weaved the bowling magic, firing with guile as he forced three players in just only seven runs in three overs by foxing batsmen with his intriguing line and length apart from his outstanding fielding.Mr Extra(31) and Ranga(9) were the main contributors in their(Howitzer) side's dismal run-chase. Beginning from their innings they were loosing wickets on almost each over collapsing down to 27 for 9 in 10 overs. Courtesy to BB’s torment focus at the end they managed to cross 50 runs in cemetery.
Right-arm paceman Ketan drew the first blood in his very first over, trapping Ramji for a mere single, to begin the rot and in next over to pick Ram, the most value able wicket of Howitzers. Mr VC Asif was also jubilant with his bowling arms after failing in batting this time; He dethroned two opponent in quick succession. In short Howitzers batsmen lacked confidence in negotiating BBs bowling attack. Poor running added to the woes of Howitzers as lack of understanding resulted in excellent run out of Guru by Monty in direct throw.
Arvind closed Howitzers hope with last wicket clean bowled Lefty Ranga when wacky whispering was about to commence in cheering team after 30 runs partnership stand.Earlier, Vikram notched up his second 30 in this ground and Ketan on 10 and Arun on 8. Namjoshi spearheaded the batting blitz with his scintillating knock with many couples and a huge six towards end of the innings helps BB reach defendable total of 91 runs in 20 over match.
Howitzers pacers Anant, Neela and Saravana who had done an admirable job against opponents in their group match were also shinning in this match. Among them Anant was the most economic bowler conceded only 9 runs in 4 overs and bagged two wickets.Saravana took maximum 3 wickets for the team costing 16 runs in 4 overs. Neela(23/1) was bit expensive but he reimbursed the fact by grabbing three exuberant catch in the field.
This was a convincing victory for BB showing their strength and nature as usual in the field. Just two more matches are behind to lift the cup and repeat 2005 history. Like other days cheering stand(Deepa, Sunaina, scorer Bhavin Bhai, Vikas Bhai – Kancha Specialist, Nitin, Nitesh) has the same contribution as before to achieve this sweet victory. I always mention their name at the end, does not mean that they are mere spectators. Contrary they are the people, we player for, to give smile in their face, to crave for cup, to share few happy moments out of our busy IT life. We always keep them in mind with strong bondage with the team and say…
“Three cheers for Bombay Boys..Hip Hip…….Congratulations Everyone…..”
Cheers
Author
PS: Unfortunately there was no photo session this time as Photographer was busy analyzing Share market !
