Played on: September 13, 1997
Played at: Fuji
Result : Won by Tokyo Bay CC
The Indian Engineers’ CC(IECC), in their 1st ever Kanto cup match was defeated summarily by Tokyo Bay, thanks to an all round performance by their new comer Rob Macnnon . Although IECC went on to score 178, more than the target they set for themselves, thanks to some hard hitting by Amit Chatterji, aided by some wayward bowling which included 7 wides in an over by Kanna, the score proved to be too small for TB.
IECC captain Biju Paul won the toss and elected to bat first relying on the weather forecast. The forecast was that it was going to be cloudy and windy in the afternoon and rain in the night. Biju thought of taking advantage of this but ultimately deceived by the weather bureau . It was sunny in the afternoon and the outfield was dry and the ball went like a bullet in the outfield. The Engineers batted according to their pre-match strategy of not going for big hits, taking singles and twos with a run rate of 4.5 per over. In that process IECC posted their highest ever opening partnership of 43 runs in only 8 overs. Opener Silvester was the first wicket to fall, misjudging a yorker. Atul, the other opener was caught magnificently by a diving Rob at long on at 60. That brought Bobby and Abhijeet together and the pair was looking good when Rob clean bowled Bobby with the score at 95. Two balls later(in fact, 7th ball of the over, a miscounting by the umpire), Rob again clean bowled captain Biju. That brought Amit to crease and this ‘keeper-batsman went berserk. He scored an enterprising 41(6×4) and was tired when he was caught behind. It would have been different ball game had Amit lasted a few more overs. Ce’ la vie! (that’s life). Abhijit was shaping up well for a big innings when he was given out LBW even as TB appealed for caught behind! Paulson, the last batsman was stumped by the keeper as he went down the pitch for a big hit after a couple of good defences. Engineers were all out for 178 in 37.3 overs.
Bobby and Biju opened the bowling attack for the Engineers. The TB openers Rob and Shiramizu looked in no trouble at all although Rob offered a difficult chance at short fine leg off the bowling of Biju. On the fourth over Rob hit 24 runs(3×4, 2×6) bringing the memories Tendulkar and Abdul Qadir of Pakistan. From there on there was no stopping for Rob and the Engineers were put on leather hunt. The ball was lost a couple of times in the surrounding jungle but could be retrieved after a thorough search. Rob went on to score 86 runs(11×4, 2×6) before Atul came into attack. He offered a simple catch at mid wicket off an innocuous delivery by Atul. Rob looked every bit of a Grade I player that he is supposed to be. Another useful contribution came from Rob’s partner Shiramizu (52, 7×4) who played some straight bat shots. It was getting dark at 5:30, still both the teams continued with the intention of completing the match. At the 31st over TB needed 5 runs for a victory with 7 wickets in hand. They achieved it with help of a 4. Basically it was a one man show by Rob with 3 wickets, a spectacular catch and 86 runs. A commendable effort, indeed. For the Engineers, Abhijeet , Bobby and Atul bowled well. TB’s bowler Kanna has a suspicious bowling action as it looks like he is chucking the ball towards the end of his action.
Brief score:
IECC 178 all out in 37.3 overs.
Atul 16, Silvester 17, Abhijeet 24, Amit 41. Extras 54 (42w, 5nb, 4lb, 3bye)Tokyo Bay 179/3 in 31 overs
Rob 86, Shiramizu 52. Extras 27 (15w, 11nb, 1bye)