In a Division 2 encounter at the GMIS grounds, Metro Indians survived a late order onslaught to overcome Mavecrics by 11 runs. In a ground where chasing is the preferred option, Mavecricis had no hesitation in inviting Metro to take first strike upon winning the toss. Their decision however seemed to backfire as Metro got off to a rollicking start when openers Prabhu Kaliraj (58 runs) and Saktinarayanan (54 runs) put on 105 runs before being separated. A quick-fire 58 runs (off 47 balls) from Kirubashankar ensured that Metro reached 222/4 in 35 overs – a score that is not insurmountable in this high scoring ground, but sufficient enough to test your bowling mettle.Metro then returned with the ball and through some disciplined bowling and smart fielding reduced Mavecrics to have them placed precariously at 120/6 in 24 overs. With 103 runs needed off 66 balls with just 4 wickets in the kitty, it was always going to be advantage Metro. However Mavecrics Skipper Sandeep Gaikwad (32 off 32 balls) and Mayank Puri ( 63 off 47 balls ) through a partnership of 80 runs for the 7th wicket that came at almost 11 runs an over brought Mavecrics within striking distance of the target. Their successive dismissals in the 32nd over, by Kirubashankar (4/34) with still 33 runs adrift tilted the balance back in favor of Metro. Two consecutive sixes in the 34th over by Vijay made it “game on†and set it up nicely with 16 runs needed off the last over. However Venkatesh (1/23 off 7 overs), bowling a splendid line and length, delivered the last 6 balls under pressure with an accurate full and outside off stump line to help his side clinch victory by 11 runs.
Thanks to Yeri and Rizky from Chairos Tigers CC for umpiring the game.
