Winning the Friendly Against Kothari XI

We restricted the score to 172 in 20 overs, giving ample chance and practice to all possible bowlers. Also such a paltry total allowed us to experiment with our batting order. The captain gave chances to people who felt they should be given one. Lets see how we chased the target in pictures (courtesy Khurram)


Adnan requested the captain to be sent to open the innings. The captain obliged.

















But he got confused on whether to play or leave the first ball he faced. Confusion is often deadly for openers. Eventually he gave an easy catch to the keeper. Who accepted it willingly.


Bhayya arrives at the crease, with the team requiring another masterly innings from him.

















At the other end 'The Crouching Tiger' looks to build a vital partnership with Bhayya.
















Rizwan played all around the ground to ensure that a solid foundation is laid between him and Bhayya.






The straight drive and the pull were a treat to watch.














Finally he missed a straighter one and was bowled and walked back.

In the end he failed to convert a good start into a big score.



Ahmed too had asked for a raise in batting order. Which was granted by the captain as he was sent on the number which he requested, which was 2 down.



The outcome can simply be told in four images. He came in, blocked one, hit a splendid flat six (which was a treat to watch) and was caught on the 4th ball he faced.









Nisar was the next man in and with cool calm and concentration he tried to take the match till the end.

But luck ran out, confusion set in and he was run out.



Experimentation brought the team in a spot of bother.

And Bilal was the next man in. He was required to stay at the wicket and give a partnership to Bhayya, who was playing magnificently at the other end.

He defended when the required runs in the over were achieved and hit when hitting was required.

The image on the right, went for a boundary, showing him the benefit of having just a simple back lift and offers him a suggestion of leaving his expansive wind up.

But as confidence grew, the expansive 360 degrees wind up and back lift came back again, causing him to miss the ball and he was clean bowled.









The captain came in next, with the requirement of an innings to save the match. He played both safely and took calculated risks when the situation required so.

But the star of the match was Samir Bhai, who played another rock solid, back bone innings. He cut, flicked, pulled and drove the ball with utmost ease.

He blocked and took risk as the situation demanded. In the end, things turned out wonderfully well for him. Hard work paid off and he saved another match for us.










The chase was a total team effort and even my padding up ensured that we didn’t lose another wicket ;)



























After the match the captain announced penalties, while Rizwan figured out a new Bhangra Step.





And congratulated Ahmed on yet another broken promise.








At the end Bilal wondered ‘yaar itnee bureee fielding bhee nahee kee thee'






















Khurram proved his ‘team player’ skills yet another time. And through photography ensured that the batsmen learn from their mistakes

Akmal was the only threatening player from Kothari XI. His coming down the order ensured that we saved at least 30-40 runs and restricted the Kothari XI to a paltry 172 from 20 overs. This allowed us to do experimentation with our batting and try to discover hidden talents. Although we discovered nothing that has not already been established months before. ;)

Akmal, meanwhile, would need to motivate his team mates to improve their batting skills. As through good batting you have 80% chance of winning matches on cement pitches.