LSWCC Warriors v Mainlanders

Saturday 24th February 2007 at the Po Kong Village Road Ground

Although Mainlanders are a team lacking the strength and depth of Warriors, for this match Warriors were still missing players some of their stronger players; Moner Dar, Shabbir Ahmed and Maurice Ling. They were further reduced when Zain Abbas declared himself unfit for bowling due to a side strain.

After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Warriors started shakily as Jawaid Iqbal departed in only the fourth over of the match for 8 runs. Batting at number 3 was Tabarak Dar and when he joined Azhar Illahi at the crease a very profitable partnership began. The pair moved the score on to 151 for 1, Tabarak scoring a studied 48 whilst Azhar really took the attack to the Mainlander bowlers, notching up 71 before being bowled by Gurjant Singh.

Zain Abbas scored a useful 22 before being caught out, beautifully one handed, by Kashan Khan at extra cover off the bowling of Gurjant. Towards the end of the innings Ilyas Gull also made useful 33, helping to lift Warriors to 231 for 7, including 28 extras.

Although he only took one wicket for Mainlanders young Niaz Ali bowled a very controlled 10 overs, recording 3 maidens and only giving away an average of 3 runs an over.

Opening the bowling for Warriors, Tabarak Dar immediately went on the attack. He picked up the wicket of Sajid Khan in his second over, a well taken catch by Amir Bokhari in the gully. Tabarak then went on to remove Kashan Khan in his third over, leaving Mainlanders struggling to get into the match and score runs. The Warriors captain, Azhar Illahi, decided to introduce spin bowlers from both ends. Jawad Iqbal and Ilyas Gull both bowled well and pick up wickets regularly. Before long Mainlanders were 80 for 9 and in deep trouble. Azhar decided to give players not renowned for their bowling skills the opportunity to mop up the tenth wicket and Zain duly obliged.

Mainlanders were all out for 136, giving Warriors an easy victory. Warriors retain top position in Saturday League table and still have a game in hand over their nearest rivals.