It was going to be a tough ask for the short handed OC side to pull a win against Caribbean who has been playing their best cricket. OC’s batting line up looked very thin on paper and it was up to OC’s bowling unit to get the job done.

Caribbean won the toss and elected to bat. Caribbean got to a strong start as they reached 72/3 in just 16 overs at the first break. It looked like the number one leading run getter in Asad was on his way to another 50 but his innings was cut short by a direct hit from deep point by Roy De Silva. Asad was caught short of his crease as he challenged Roy’s arm for a second run. Luckily for OC, Kanishka was already back in the pavilion and it was up to OC to apply the brakes and get break-throughs. OC managed to do so and Caribbean’s innings was wrapped up in the 41^st over at 158. Chirayu took 4 crucial wickets and was the pick of the bowlers.

A modest total of 158 was always dangerous ask for a weak OC batting line up. OC started the innings slow and managed to lose wickets at consistent intervals. OC’s batting champion Devraj however was still at the crease. However, it was huge mountain to climb as OC was pushed to 89/7 with the veteran Colin batting at the other end. Things had already taken a dramatic turn as Devraj was hit by fellow team mate Summanth’s straight drive on his right arm. However, Devraj fought through the extreme pain and continued batting. The two put on a 62 run partnership to bring OC within 7 runs and 8 balls to spare. At this point Devraj was run out for a brilliant 70.

OC needed 7 runs of 7 balls and in comes Vishal Bhavsar who was holding a bat after 7 years. Vishal managed to score 2 runs of the last ball of the 44^th over to bring Colin on strike with 5 needed of 6 balls. The last over was to be bowled by Asad. We were set for a tight and definitely heart breaking finish (for one team). Asad bowled the ball just short of length which was dislodged for a 6 to midwicket by Colin straight from the meat of his bat.

OC pulled off the win with style.

The match was played in good spirits and both team deserved the win that day with the effort they put in. Good luck to Caribbean for the rest of the season.