Match Report – 4s Vs Birmingham 4s (09/06/21)
An amazing game with only 1 run separating the sides at the end of the day. Absolutely gutted as the 4s still looking for a win end up 1 run short against Birmingham 4s.
Losing the toss 4s were put into the field. The opening attack of Ed and Joy restricted the openers to get a decent start on the road of a surface at Moseley. Joy bowling a terrific 10 over spell, picking up an odd wicket but the highlight of his time in the field was a juggling catch that somehow ended up behind his knee. As the game progressed, Nikhil joined the bowling attack and dismissing the opening batsmen in his very first over.
A brief appearance by Danesh with the ball, challenging the outside edge of the batsmen multiple times but seeing no result. Into the later half of their innings, Mikey comes on with his deceiving leggies not allowing the batsmen to be comfortable at the crease and pick up a couple of wickets in his 10 over spell. Dan had a great time with the ball until a powerful sweep meets his knee, which ended his time in the field with 15 over to go. A second spell by Nikhil proving effective, as he picked up 4 wickets to end his day in the field, and leading the 4s to restrict the opposition to 230 in 50 overs.
The chase began with a flurry of boundaries by Kunj, attacking the opening bowlers. (Leading to the opposition to lose their new ball, as it was hit into the Shrubbery, in the 5th over). However, this was a very short inning as the Skipper departed for 29 in the 7th over. A terrific partnership by fresher Neil and Nikhil brought the 4s closer to the total till drinks after which Nikhil was dismissed.
A few small cameos from Marcus, Tom and Ed lead to the 4s needing nearly a run a ball in the last 3 overs. After a hard-fought 50 for Neil, his work was not over at the crease with the team hoping he will see us till the end. However, when needing 2 of the last ball, their bowler bowls a perfect yorker knocking over Joy’s stumps. A remarkable effort by the 4s chasing a total of 230 and posting 229 in response.
Special mentions to Neil for his amazing knock of 62* and Nikhil with the figures of 9-2-41-4 and 39 with the bat. Hoping to get an entertaining game next Sunday as the 4s take on the 3s train.