Main Umpire: Shankar Leg Umpire: Pranav
Report:
Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day that promised to only get better.
The CC@NCSU team left Raleigh early intending to get to the field early and get
in some warm-up. There were 4 new faces in the side and everyone was eagerly
looking forward to the season opener.
But things were going to get a little bumpy along the way. The Wolfpack suffered
2 breakdowns along the way and were reduced to just 2 cars. Fortunately for
them, Shankar and Pranav, the designated umpires from CCC noticed the stranded
team and helped with the transportation problem. With barely any time to warm-up
when they finally arrived, the wolfpack eleven quickly took the field after
winning the toss and electing to field.
The morning's delays might have been playing on some of the minds but all the
nagging thoughts soon vanished when a beauty from Krishnakanth demolished the
wickets off the very first ball of the innings. Kulwant found his wickets
rearranged and had to make way for Madhu. The Pack had drawn first blood and
were looking to go in for the kill. But, it seemed like they were in for a bumpy
ride as Anirudh dropped a chance behind the wickets off Krishnakanth's second
over and the runs were still coming. Kam soon edged another to the keeper who
redeemed himself by not messing it up this time. This however, brought Faraz to
the crease who set about picking the runs. Two partnerships of 31 and 37 with
Madhu and Vatsal soon follwowed as he racked up 49 off just 42 balls with 8 hits
to the fence. But, Faraz was having difficulty keeping partners at the other
end. Jaikumar brought in as the second change got some quick wickets too. One
was a phenomenal catch by Vamsee at point as he lapped up a stinger from Snehal
that seemed destined for the fence. Although the home team had lost only 4
wickets before drinks (after 12 overs), the end came quickly as the bowlers
returned rested and focussed picking up the remaining wickets with the total at
118.
The post lunch session began with Vishwas and Amit demonstrating that they were
there to finish it. Both played with determination putting the bad balls away
and keeping the castle safe. Vishwas was dismissed leg-before when he mis-read a
straighter one from Shrikanth. Amit seemed as though he had set his sights on
the target when a mis-directed shot found its way to Kam with the score just 8
short. His disciplined 48 of 51 balls ensured victory for the Wolfpack as
Krishnakanth and Sushil made short work of the last remaining runs.
Although Faraz did a terrific job for the home team, almost single-handedly
keeping the visitors at bay, and the Wolfpack bowlers delivered by bundling up
the opponents for a manageable target, it was Amit's disciplined innings that
demonstrated the value of patience, earning the visitors a win in their season
opener. Amit certainly earned the Man-of-the-Match, which worked out well for
the Pack.
The game was hard fought and played in great spirit. Thanks are due to Shankar
and Pranav of CCC for doing a terrific job of officiating the game (and helping
to get the visitors to the game in the first place), and to the Greenville
Hurricanes for being wonderful hosts. We would like to wish them all the very
best for the remaining season.