Himalayan vs Nova Match report

Match Report – April 25, 2010.
Himalayan Vs. NOVA at Gallaway Park, Silver Spring.
Himalayan Lost by 7 wkts

Our season opener against NOVA was almost washed out because of we pitch conditions, soggy outfield and lack of a pick up truck. Because of some over night rain, the pitch was wet and soggy on good length areas on one side of the pitch. NOVA had to be convinced to pull the roller out of a drench (thanks to Nissan Sentra 1990’s – Japanese cars are strong too) and roll out the pitch to get it ready to play. The match started almost 2 hours behind scheduled and NOVA after winning the toss elected to field.

Suresh Neelapala and Saurabh opened the innings for us. The pitch had some real variable bounce, some deliveries just shot up and some roller passed to the keeper. Our opening partnership was broken by a lose shot from Saurabh and a smart catch by the fielder. Suresh was looking in good touch and stroke a big six. Unfortunately we lost both Suresh Neelapala and Suresh Y in quick succession. The innings was given some stability by Sameer and Nirun (both debutants for Himalayans’) but Nirun was unlucky to be bowled of a delivery which kept really low giving him no chance at all. Srini and Sameer went on rebuilding the innings and scored some quick runs. They both looked good and confident with the bowling had very little menace. At 70 / 4 we lost 5 quick wickets for just 7 runs. Some very debatable LBW decisions that did not help us and our innings folded at 77.

Resuming our bowling innings Srini and Firdouse started well with each getting a wicket a piece in the first 4 over. A brilliant pick up and throw from Suresh Y accounted for another run out dismissal and we looked confident to stage up a fight and make it difficult for NOVA. Firdouse was excellent in his spell with good pace and bowling wicket to wicket. NOVA settled in well through a good 4th wicket partnership that saw them to victory in 13 overs. This was a well below par effort by our team and everyone knows and believes that each one of us can perform much better individually and as a TEAM. Key learning’s from this game: Do the basics right. We need to quickly learn from this experience and assess quickly what needs to be done better. Let’s prepare better and have fun in our next game but play hard. Aal Izz Well J