Week 5: Report

The Knights Watchmen stole the show against the Darnall Dynamites, registering their first BBICL win after a blistering bowling performance. Batting first, Arsalan (25*) helped the Knights reach a score of 59-4, which many assumed to be below-par. At the halfway mark, Darnall would have been the happier of the two sides, having successfully chased similar scores in the past. Yousaf and Yograj had other plans, conjuring up one of the best spells of bowling this season: cleaning up the all 6 Darnall boys within 6 overs for just 28 runs. Such a strong bowling performance by the Knights should reignite their dreams of finishing in the top 4. With 5 league matches yet to be played by each team, the qualifiers are anything but clear-cut.

A sharp team performance by Hit n’ Run meant the Molvi Sixers were finally beaten in this much anticipated, top-of-the-table clash. Hit n’ Run may have lost the toss, but it was the Molvi Sixers who lost their way as they let Hit n’ Run pile up a behemoth total. In a total of 114-4 in 12 overs, Hamzah top scored with 39* (26), followed by Mazar 27* (20). Choosing to chase, Adnanand co. fell short of expectations as they failed to cope with some skillful bowling and an ever-increasing required run-rate, and in the end falling 41 runs short. The Molvis may have been shocked but they remain at the top of the table (slightly ahead of Hit n' Run in NRR) with 8 points each.

In the final match, the Six Shotterz overtook a wobbly Batsman and Robin squad. With their captain Jamil unavailable, the Batsman missed the firepower and mainstay in their batting. Shadab took full advantage, shattering the stumps on two occasions in an economical spell of 2-4. A target of 68 had captain Basharat somewhat worried after his team’s previous collapses, however, in typical Bash style, he led by example scoring a quick-fire 27 off 14 deliveries. Muazzam scored a responsible and well-calculated innings of 25* as he went on to finish the chase in the 10th over, giving Six Shotterz their 3rd win in 5 games.

At the half-way mark of the league stage, it is all to play for. With the bottom two teams gaining some recent form we look forward to some even more competitive cricket being played in the next 5 weeks.