Match Report: 5-Match Rivalry Series - May 21th, 2006

Long, Stock and Two Smoking Batsmen Led LVCC to a Great Game 3 Victory
Result: LVCC win by 23 runs; Scorecard

Sunday, May 21st 2006:

Jahangir (70*) and Lenin ( 50) led the way as LCRC failed to chase a formidable target against the Xpress bowlers. Aurangzeb, the leading wicket-taker of the series, is on a hot streak as the opponents are dazed and confused by his great bowling.

LVCC got off to a flying start as LCRC were plagued with bowling a ton of extras in the morning session. The main highlight was Pasindu's 2nd over as he handed down 7 consecutive wides (10 total wides for the over). The Xpress batting attack was too good as they clobbered through the opening bowlers right from the get go. Nasir, who played an excellent supporting inning lacked form and was the first to get out off a wobbly catch at deep square-leg. The fielder patrolling the region didn't have control while taking the catch, but he managed to hold on in the end. The opening pair put on a dashy 58 run partnership. Lenin, found great form with the bat as he orchestrated a solid and vital innings giving the Xpress an excellent head start. His glorious half-century included five boundaries and a long six before getting stumped over a mis-cued shot.

Jahangir, who failed to show any form in game 2, gave good support to Lenin in his magnificent unbeaten inning of 70. From the start, Jahangir looked a little cautious and slightly hesitant between the wickets before picking up the pace later in the inning. He managed to survive several drop catches and ended up playing till the end of the innings. LCRC couldn't hold on to the majority of the balls through out the day as they dropped a total of 12 catches, six of which were Jahangir's.

At drinks, the Xpress looked as if they were on target to score 300 runs; however, the short break turned out to be advantageous for LCRC as they fought back with some tight bowling. Extras still played in favor for the Xpress as LCRC managed to get some key wickets of players who are still seeking form. Aurangzeb who has been excellent with the ball showed hints of a come back. Misfortune was yet again his pitfall as he got out to another good catch in the covers by Pasindu. Ankit, Anupam, Avi and Sunny got out quickly as some good fielding and bowling kept the Lankans right in the game. Unfortunately, their efforts wasn't enough as LVCC posted a formidable total of 219.

The LCRC opening pair yet again were off to a jittery start as they lost two quick wickets to some great seam bowling by Aurangzeb and Anupam. Pasindu was the first to go as he handed down a lolly to Auragnzeb. Chandika was Aurangzeb's second victim as his unorothodox broom-style batting failed again to some quality bowling. Ravi (62) and Shanta (40) were the only two batsmen that showed discipline and resistance while batting. Ravi single-handedly raised the LCRC's runrate by smashing some amazing shots around the ground. Shanta, who is notorious for his nervous starts, managed to connect the ball well, aiding his team in chasing a huge target.

The bowling was too good for the Lankans in the end as none of the middle-order nor tail-enders were able to handle the spinning duo of Nasir and Ankit. The two put on some tight bowling in the middle of the innings as they managed to join the list of wicket-takers for the match. Anupam and Jahanzeb were the two lone rangers in the team who remained wicketless. Lucky breaks was the winner as the batsmen were able to get away with a few close calls off Anupam's and Jahanzeb's bowling. Anupam did however contribute in the fielding department where he took some amazing catches off Aurangzeb's bowling.

With this win, the Xpress have an upperhand in Game 4 next Sunday as they are only a step away from winning the series. Avi, the captain for LVCC, commended his team for giving 110% from start to end. Extras was kept in control by the Xpress bowlers as it was their downfall in Game 2.