Venue: Dusseldorf
CICC returned to winning ways on Sunday (7th April) when they secured a three wicket win against the Aachen Leoparden in their first Regionalliga (RL) 50 over match. Following the disappointment of defeat to the same side in a high scoring match in the previous year’s last RL match, the visitors (CICC) from the Cologne were determined to secure a result this time.
Visiting skipper Koushik won the toss and elected to field first. Opening bowlers Ricky and Mansoor Khan put tremendous pressure on the opposition openers with their accurate swing and pace by not allowing the batsmen to score the runs in their first spell. This early pressure was then capitalized on by Furqan, who after a first breakthrough went on to get a 6-wicket haul. Kamran again gave the opposition problems with his pacey bullet balls and took 3 wickets. Afaq, on debut also did good job with his left-arm spin, taking the final wicket – his first for CICC! With the help of sharp fielding and no dropped catches, the Leoparden were restricted to 105 all out.
Wahab and Kris (on debut) opened the innings for CICC. Unfortunately both returned very early adding just 10 to the total. Nag and Tushar tried to steady the ship, but Tushar was caught for 2 off Gulistan followed quickly by Kausar. Despite the tumbling wickets, Nag continued to accumulate runs with his discipline and experience. Ricky joined Nag and steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. But two debatable LBW decisions cost both Ricky and Koushik their wickets (time for DRS !? ). Nag was sent back shortly afterwards by a brilliant catch, leaving CICC in a perilous position. But the blushes of opposition were spared by Furqan and Afaq who safely negotiated the remaining runs required to take CICC to 107 for 7.
Overall, a collective team work, good show case of skills and team spirit lead to the first win for the visitors. Furqan was Man of the Match with 6 for 35 from his nine overs.
The support by Ahsen, Ali and Umar was excellent, and this helped keep up a great team spirit! CICC will be hoping to continue their winning ways next Saturday when they face Deutsche Welle.
