Sunday 20-06-2021 Glostrup (GCC) vs Frem Division Match (40 overs, but later changed to 35)

Highlights:
Arsalan: 3overs-3runs-3wickets
Khizar: 3.5overs-4runs-4wickets
Sammi: 58 runs
Abhishek: 37 runs

Weather conditions were humid, cloudy, rainy and sunny – all at the same time. Frem won the toss and decided to bowl first.A well-constructed victory for GCCs 2nd team. Frem never seemed to be in the game, and GCC certainly took advantage of this. Despite the heavy rain, which paused the match for a total of two hours, GCC players didn’t lose any momentum.Frem’s opening bowlers were seeming the ball in to GCCs opening batsman (Bilal and Abhishek), which proved to be the nemesis of Bilal. After leaving a few deliveries outside his off-stump, Bilal was defeated by a pitched in delivery – clean bowled. GCC 15-1 after 3.4 overs. Sammi was next to take his stance at the crease, and once again the experienced campaigner showed his class. Beautiful strokes all around the park including six 4s and a half-century. As the saying goes, it takes two hands to clap, and rightly so, Sammi was supported from the other end by a well-structured innings from Abhishek. Abhishek showcased his talent by hitting some glorious drives, cuts and boundary strokes. Both top order batsman added a partnership of 82 runs – magnificent!. Unfortunately, this was the end of the road for Abhishek who had to see himself depart after adding a brilliatn 37 runs on the board. GCC 97-2 after 18.5 overs.

Next batsmen charging against Frem was skipper, Fraz. The weather, however, had other plans. GCC and the park were overcasted by a huge rain shower, which paused the game for more than 1 hour. The number of overs were also reduced from 40 to 35. One would think that this pause, combined with the heavy outfield, would slow things down for GCC, but GCC had other plans. Sammi and Fraz played some beautiful cricket. A good balance of running between the wickets and boundary strokes saw this pair add a total of 35 points on the board – 50 UP FOR SAMMI and the crowd goes wild, a huge cheer from the teammates. GCC 132-2 after 25 overs. The message from the skipper was loud and clear, ‘wickets left, are many, let’s take some chances and go for the big shots’ – it was clear that GCC were aiming for a score of at least 200 runs. The next delivery brought with it an end to Sammi’s innings, clean bowled after trying a big swing towards long on. Sammi goes for 58 runs – well done mate. GCC 132-3 after 25.2 overs.

GCCs batting didn’t end here, in came Khizar the GCC wizard. Khizar didn’t struggle at any point, and was charging towards the ball from the get go. Yet again, a beautiful partnership consisting effortless running between the wickets and the big shots as well. Fraz lofted a shot towards long off, but had to see himself beaten by Frem. The catch went straight into the hands of the fielder – 20 valuable runs added to the board by the skipper. GCC 163-4 after 29.4 overs.Here comes the BOOM, as some would say. For those who are still confused, yes, I am talking about GCCs powerhouse, AJ Singh Malhi. It is fair to say that GCCs wizard (Khizar) and powerhouse (AJ) provided the entertainment of a masterclass while batting. Khizar added a quickfire 28 runs of 21 balls (three 4s), and AJ 35 of 19 balls (four 4s). These innings proved to be vital for GCC in their overall goal of reaching at least 200 runs. AJ, as we all know, is a big fan of running and stealing singles from the opposition. Today was no different, as he pushed Khizar by converting singles into doubles, and doubles into triples. Unfortunately, Khizar came a bit too short in one instance, and had to see himself run out after a commendable 28 runs contribution. GCC 178-5 after 31.2 overs. Shahid Usman was next, but had to see himself depart as he was clean bowled in his first delivery.

SHOBA SHOBA (well done well done)! For those of you who haven’t heard this expression might be thinking what/who is this. Nevertheless, for GCCs regulars, you have rightly guessed that SHOBA SHOBA is an expression used by Awais. He was next to support AJ with a quickfire 19 runs of 8 balls (two 4s and one 6). AJ was keeping Awais on his toes, and they both managed to run 4 runs (1 ball) between the wickets – what great presence of mind and running. Indeed SHOBA SHOBA is a rightly suited expression. Awais was caught out at 214-7 and 33.6 overs. Last over to go, and in came Hammad (non-striker) and batting at the other end was AJ. It was clear the GCC were going to swing big, and GCC indeed managed to do this successfully. The last over consisted one 4 and 8 runs which AJ and Hammad ran between the wickets. 12 runs of the last over and GCC managed a total of 226-7 after 35.0 overs.

GCC opened their bowling with the usual Sheraz and Awais from each end. Both bowlers seemed a bit shaky, and were struggling with their line and length. Nevertheless, Sheraz provided the first breakthrough in over number one. The batsman edged the ball right back to wicketkeeper, and Mr. Safehands – Bilal. One down! Frem were building a partnership and managed to target a joint 27 runs before openings batsman number two had to depart. After a nervous start from Awais, he came back strong with a short pitched delivery, which took the batsman by surprise. An attempted hook shot later, and a beautiful diving/sliding catch from Khizar, saw Frems strongest batsman depart. Shoba Shoba Awais and Khizar. Two down – let’s go! Frem were 51-2 after 8 overs.

After the opening spell, Fraz decided to switch up the bowling. Fast bowling from Khizar was introduced from one end, and Arsalan came back into the attack today with his mystifying ‘wrong-un’ deliveries from the opposite end. Both bowlers were keeping the Frem batsman on their dancing toes, and capitalized on their opportunities. Khizar came steaming in with a beautiful pacey delivery. One edge, and a beautiful catch later from skipper, saw the Frem batsman depart. What a catch! Frem 51-3 after 8.5 overs. The show goes on – it didn’t stop here! Arsalan was charging in from the other end with his beautiful and loopy deliveries. It didn’t take more than three deliveries before the batsman tried to sweep him, and the ball was edged right up in the air straight into the safe hands of brother, Hammad – “c Alvi b Alvi”. Great catching, GCC! Arsalan wanted more, and only two deliveries later, he bowled his famous wrong-un, which came wide on the pitch, and completely bamboozled the batsman. The ball spun in towards him, ripped his defence and went straight on to hit the wickets – clean bowled! Two scalps for Arsalan in his first over. Frem 51-5 after 10 overs. Khizar was pumped! A quicker delivery saw the Frem batsman edge the ball right over his head. Fraz had some work to do in order to get into position, but he wasn’t going to let go of this one. Frem 51-6 after 10.2 overs. You would think that it would end here!? Think again, next ball Khizar cleaned the batsman. Frem 51-7 after 10.3 over and the famous hattrick chance, which unfortunately didn’t become a reality. Frem lost 5 wickets without scoring a single run. Well done Khizar and Arsalan, or should I say ‘SHOBA SHOBA BOYS’! The match was pretty much over at this stage. Khizar and Arsalan took one each of the final two wickets (Frem only showed up with 10 players), and GCC could see themselves on top after another cracking day of cricket.
Congratulations to GCC on this win!

MOM goes to Arsalan for his beautiful comeback figures of 3-3-3

Next match will be on Sunday 4 July 2021 against Svanholm, at Svanholms homeground.