The Midrand club’s chairman, Jeremy Meiring said the match started late due to an unprepared pitch. “The overs were subsequently reduced to 31 overs a side and Knights decided to bat.
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“We got off to a good start, thanks to aggressive batting by openers Syed Shahab and Pinaki Sarkar. Their opening stand of 37 was broken in the 6th over, and that led to a mini collapse. We went from 37/0 to 37/3 with Shahab (25), Vikas Mathur and Varma Kalidindi losing their wickets in a space of six balls.
“Sai Lingala entered the fray, and steered the ship beautifully, anchoring the innings. He was well supported by all the batters who played aggressively around him. The middle-lower order chipped in with valuable cameos. Sai’s knock of 68 (off 80 balls), ensured that we reached a very impressive 202/9.”
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He added that opening bowlers, Srini Vadlamuri and Somu Shekar came out with real purpose and intensity, putting the hosts on the back foot from the onset. The pair took three early wickets and took the fight to Old Maristonians who never recovered. They went from 30/3 to 88/7, and were bundled out for 133.
“Krishna Prasad was the real star of the show, taking 5/13 (5 overs), with his off-spinners. He bowled with absolute control and troubled the opposition batters throughout. He earned man of the match award. Well done on a superb performance,” Meiring said.
He added that the club would like to congratulate Lingala for reaching 500 runs for the club, and Somu Shekar who appeared in his 50th match.
Knights won by 69 runs.
Match Summary:
- qKnights – 202/9 (31 overs)
Batting: Sai 68 not out (80 balls); Pinaki 43 (31); Syed 25 (23); Shumail 20 (17)
- Old Maristonians – 133 all out
Bowling: Krishna 5/13 (5 overs); Srini 2/24 (6); Pradeep 1/17 (2); Shumail 1/19 (3); Somu 1/25 (4).
