Match Report: THCC1 v HSV, 14.6.2015

THCC 115 (Sandeep 37, Aman 21, Omer 3/13, Umar 2/16) lost to HSV 5/116 (Omair 24, Malith 23, Sandeep 2/20)

It has to be a dark, miserable day of cricket if the best that can be reported is that the umpiring was very good. But it was good, the best we’ve had so far this season.

The match itself was indeed a dark, miserable day of cricket, which went wrong from the moment THCC lost the toss. Heavy rain the previous day, and through the night, had left the spongy astro-pitch in Mümmelmannsberg highly suitable for ducks.

HSV correctly chose to bowl, and proceeded to bowl right through THCC. There were four ducks in all, and six of the batsmen were bowled, signifying how difficult the damp pitch was to play, as balls that pitched half-way didn’t bounce at all while balls on a decent length reared up to the left or right, sometimes going clear over the batsman’s head.

Only Sandeep managed to weather the storm, holding firm to make 37 while wickets tumbled around him. Steve offered some support, joining Sandeep when the score was 5/29. Some solid batting by Aman and Safiullah lifted the score up to 115, which at the very least, was something to bowl at.

HSV came out swinging. The pitch had dried out a little and the bounce was more consistent. But Israfeel and Bipin struggled to find the right line and length, and the runs were ticking over quickly, at around 6 or 7 an over. Bipin took a good catch to remove Dushant, who was looking dangerous, and Sandeep bowled well to finish with 2/20. Israfeel and Safiullah both held excellent high catches.

But THCC hadn’t put enough runs on the board, and HSV reached the target with five wickets and 32 overs to spare.

A disappointing loss, but it was good to see THCC show some fight in difficult conditions. No doubt the team will be keen to bounce back against HICC at home next Sunday.

Many thanks to Barkat and the HSV for a challenging game of cricket. Big thanks to Tina for scoring once again (love the Technicolor scoresheet).