CeylonCC, riding high on the back of an improved performance in its last two games, went on to register its third consecutive victory in the TATA Motors JCA League, when they upset table toppers JaguarsCC by a comfortable margin of 53 runs, in a Division 2 encounter at the Cibubur grounds on Sunday.
Winning the toss and batting first, CeylonCC was once again given a good start by its reliable openers Nalaka Kodituwakku and Mohammed Mufasil, as they reached 60 runs for the loss of Nalaka’s wicket at the first drinks break of 12 overs. With Mufasil continuing his good form with the bat this season, it appeared he was all set to bring about his maiden century, when he fell short by 3 runs. His individual score of 97 runs and a quick-fire cameo towards the end by Baba Sivasankan who smashed 56 runs off just 26 balls, ensured CeylonCC scored 215 runs before being all out, but not before they had the momentum with them going into the dressing room. For the Jaguars, the wickets were shared between Sunny (3/41), Amit Lalaji (2/26), John (2/28). Rehan who bore the brunt of the attack by Baba, also finished with 2/48.
In response, the Jaguars started well and put up 30 runs for the opening partnership, before the introduction of Riaz Ur Rahman into the attack, saw them lose their first wicket in only the fourth delivery of his spell. With the loss of two more quick wickets, Jaguars then tried to steady the ship with another partnership of 30 runs for the 4th wicket, when Ceylon Skipper Sabry Salahudeen brought himself on. With his variations of spin, Sabry had the Jaguars quickly under a web when he scalped two wickets conceding just 21 runs. His hand in effecting a run out and the wily off spin of veteran Dihan Silva ensured that Jaguars were never given an opportunity to get back into the game as they were all out for 162 runs, falling short of the target by 53 runs. Dihan, known for his crafty bowling finished with figures of 2/28 off his 7 overs while Riaz was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/28. For the Jaguars, who tasted defeat for the first time this season, there wasn’t much contribution with the bat except for Sridhar Sasikumar who top scored with 31 runs, while John chipped in with 27 runs.
Thanks Ben Burgess & Scott Masson from Jakarta Barbarians for umpiring the game
