On a baking hot Sunday, the Optimists welcomed Crescent CC for the second time in the season. Unfortunately, Optimists skipper, Richard Neale lost the toss and Crescent elected to bat first.
Our trusted opening bowlers Atif Kamal and Yatin Bhamare, quickly put the Crescent opening pair on the backfoot, Yatin claiming his first wicket of the day in his first over with the help of a stunning diving catch to Anand Pandey’s left. The dot balls were building up at both ends, resulting in another couple wickets for Yatin, leaving Crescent CC 63 for 3 off 12 overs. The Crescent Batsmen never looked comfortable at the crease after losing early wickets. Wickets were falling regularly, thanks to Mohit Dixit and Vikram Vijh cleaning up the next 6 batsmen, by sticking to their tight lines. With Vikram picking up 4 and Mohit with 2. Atif was reintroduced into the attack and removed the last batsmen in no time. After a powerful bowling display, the Optimist fast bowlers bowled the opposition for 121 runs in 25 overs.
After a quick turn around as the curry hadn’t arrived yet, opening batsmen James Barker and Ben Embleton were sent out only needing 2.6 runs an over. James was quick off the mark making good use of the lightning fast outfield. Ben was removed in the 5th over to a catch at backward point, which brought Richard Neale to the crease. James and Richard showed off their experience at the crease with classy front foot drives, reaching the target of 121 with 23 overs to spare only having lost 1 wicket. Richard ended up on 57 and James ended up 46.
The 1st team now have a break until the 12th of August with a game at Antwerp CC.
The Optimists Cricket Club are kindly sponsored by Exequtive Partners.