ANZA I VS LLCC 1 @ TURF CITY 17 AUGUST
2008
By Buddhika Mendis
After a week’s break from cricket, the
Lions were keen to get on to the field
and consolidate their lead at the top of
the table. It was time to play ANZA
whom the Lions were yet to play this
season, due to postponed first round
match. Couple of changes were made from
the previous game with Asanka and
Chamira replacing Snehath and Dilharan.
For the first time Silmi lost the toss
and was asked to field on a hot day by
the ANZA captain Kevin.
ANZA started well with some good stroke
play by both openers who showed signs of
posting a big score on the board.
Chaminda drew first blood by removing
David Jacquier for 26. The game was
reduced to 49 overs due to rain during
middle stages of the match and ANZA
started accumulating runs at a slow
pace. Kevin Robertson (nursing an injury
from an early blow from a Mizran fast
ball) and Ben Burgees (batting
stylishly) scored half centuries for
ANZA and at the end of their 49 overs
posted a very challenging score of 220
for 6 wickets. For the Lions Chaminda,
Supun and Buddhika took 1 wicket each.
Lions did not start well, loosing
Renchun and Chaminda in two consecutive
balls. Buddhika joined Johann at the
crease and put on 82 runs for the 3rd
wicket. However Lions kept loosing
wickets at regular intervals while
Johann kept his cool and played an
excellent knock of 59 putting Lions in
sight of victory. When the rain came in
the 35th over the Lions were
in spot of bother at 195 for 7 chasing
220 with Mizran and Zafarullah at the
crease. This was one of the few outings
where the late-middle order of the Lions
has been exposed so early in an inning
and the lack of match exposure showed
with most of the batsmen playing very
circumspect under pressure of chasing a
moderate target. The target was revised
to 212 in 45 overs and the Lions managed
to reach the target with no more scares
and 6 overs to spare. Mizran played a
very well crafted, gritty knock of 40
under pressure to guide Lions through,
showing his all round capabilities.
It was a hard fought win for Lions who
showed their character displaying real
fighting spirit and their hunger to win
the league. The Lions are now in sight
of winning the League and will face
Kallang Colts on coming Sunday.
