The batsmen were back in control this week after several weeks of bowlers dominating games in the Indonesian Cricket League. Daehan Smashers staved off a brilliant fightback from Vivek Nair to prevail in their game against Ceria Komodos while Challengers Super Kings were left still searching for their first win after losing to TKCC Royals.
TKCC Royals were off to a steady start after being put in to bat as the CSK opening bowlers maintained disciplined lines. Mukesh Khetan’s arrival helped accelerate the run rate as he took to the bowling including a 26 run over and TKCC were looking at a huge total. The wily Vimal Nair, playing his farewell game, then struck two crucial blows including that of Mukesh to pull things back a bit for CSK. TKCC eventually finished on 155 in their 20 overs.
The CSK chase was off to a flying start with 45 runs coming off the first 5 overs and they were cruising till Jimmy Bumb’s played spoil-sport to knock over four off their top batsmen in the space of 3 overs. Baba Sivasankaran was looking in sublime touch and CSK’s chances of a win relied on him batting through the overs. But, Maneesh Tripathi had him holing out to put a big dent in CSK’s hopes. Sujeet Ramgir hit a few big shots but couldn’t do enough to see his team home.
