On a warm, summer morning Standard Athletic Cricket Club took to the field after captain Nisseem had elected to field first. The Tuskers began proceedings unconvincingly and two genuine appeals for caught-behind were turned down by the umpire. Not letting that put him off, Nisseem maintained his line and length and was rewarded with SAC’s first wicket in the 10th over. Another wicket was to follow soon after and with the score at 50 for 2, it was time for Tuskers to dig in and rebuild. With the help of some generous fielding from Standard, they did just that and with left-arm Australian seamer Alex getting frustrated, the opposition began to build their score. After an inspired bowling change from Nisseem, Henry was given the ball and repaid his captain’s faith with 4 quick wickets, helped in part by some excellent catches from Nisseem and Girish.

With Tusker’s score at 250 runs at the end of 40 overs, Standard had it all to do.

After the tea interval, Girish and Dilip began Standard’s innings which unfortunately did not get off to the best start with the latter being caught for four. This brought Alex to the crease and before he had succumbed for 18 runs, he had managed to ably support Girish until he too was out caught for a great knock of 39. After the quick dismissal of Laxi for 3, Henry joined Shaunak at the crease with the two managing to put on a 60-run partnership. Having played some fine shots, Shaunak’s innings was brought to an end for 39 runs and captain Nisseem came out to bat. This was make-or-break time for Standard, as a good partnership between these two would go a long way to securing a famous victory. It was, however, not to be as Henry was caught for a solid 37 runs before being joined back in the pavilion by Nisseem, who was caught after his explosive innings came to an end for 35. With the tail not offering much resistance, Standard were bowled out for 238, 13 runs short of victory.
The result – a 13-run victory for the Kerala Tuskers.

After a hard-earned defeat, SACC will be looking to up their game in the first of three John Hardy Shield games against Thoiry CC next Sunday, the 19th of June.