Meanwhile in another game at Cibubur, the rain gods did have a part to play as Fez Rebels secured full points from the game when they defeated Metro Indians, by virtue of comfortably being ahead of the required run-rate when play was called off due to heavy downpour. Bating first, Metro was looking good after 16 overs, reaching 71/1, thanks largely to Prabhu Kaliraj who scored an aggressive 43 runs. His departure and a rare failure by its batting mainstay Kirubasankar allowed the Rebels to claw their way back in as they claimed back to back wickets to have Metro reeling at 128/8. Aided by Sabu Joy’s 20 runs, the tail wagged a little longer before Metro was all out for 152 runs. Corbon Loughnan was the wrecker-in-chief with his 4/25 supported brilliantly by OP Rajesh’s spell of 2/11 off 5.3 overs.
In response, the Rebels started cautiously reaching 76/3 after 14 overs, which saw the entry of Christian Hirst. 18 balls and 36 runs later, Kiruba held a good catch under the trees to send back Hirst. With the Rebels comfortably placed at 104/4, the heavens opened up leading to a stoppage of play. Metro was keen on getting on with the action to give themselves a chance, as it became a game of hide and seek with the rains before play was finally called off after 23.3 overs, and Rebels on 125/6 well ahead of the required run rate to be declared Winners. Warwick Peters scored 19 runs for the Rebels, while Kirubasankar (4/26) soldiered on with the ball before the rain gods decided to have the final say.
Thanks to Gaurang & Dhiraj from WPP India XI for umpiring the game and very efficiently managing the rain-situation.
