Format: 40 overs
Whilst many were keeping an eye on the weather forecast in rainy Manchester for the fourth Test of the Ashes 2023 series, skies were clear over Paris as Standard welcomed the Kerala Tuskers for their second game of the season to Meudon. After winning the toss, the opposition chose to bat first and the top order played fluently enough to reach 190 at the 25-over mark for the loss of four wickets. From here on in, however, chances began being fluffed in the field thanks to some careless catching and SACC only had themselves to blame as the Tuskers ended proceedings on 333 for the loss of 6 wickets.
Having regrouped at the interval, the home team's response got off to the worst start possible, losing opener Dilip with just 11 runs on the board. With Jon Taylor arriving at the crease, Standard’s innings stabilised enough for him and Henry to put on a partnership of 83 runs before the latter edged to fly-slip for 22. This brought Jack Hardy, son of club legend John, to the crease and with Jon T returning to the pavilion soon after for 48, things were looking ominous. Thodi had different ideas, however, and along with Jack’s bravery in the face of a nasty dislocated shoulder, the two batters put on a fantastic 128-run partnership to take the score to within touching distance. After Jack had departed for a resolute 47, Shivang joined Thodi in the middle before taking it to the opposition with some devastating boundary hitting. Unfortunately, despite some real fireworks at the end during which Thodi brought up his century, SACC would eventually fall frustratingly 10 runs short of victory.
The result – a 10-run victory for Kerala Tuskers CC