Pasadena Shock Ventura With Hard Fought First Win

With 35 to get from the last 4 overs, it took Pasadena's tail all 24 balls to help set up one of the most stunning upsets this season. This was Pasadena's first win of the season, but it puts Ventura in remarkable terriroty; a two game losing streak.

Batting first, Ventura started in typical fashion, battering the Pasadena attack in the first 11 overs at 8 an over. However, Pasadena's spin quartet: Nadir (4), Abhe (2), Zafar (2) and Noori bowled remarkable spells to pull Pasadena back in the game. Shani (2), making his league comeback, bowled with fire and was unlucky not to capture more wickets. For Ventura, Jignesh was as masterful as ever and despite giving three chances to Pasadena, he braved the elements to notch up an important hundred. His knock took Ventura to a respectable 243 all out in 44.1 overs.

In response, Pasadena got a good start from Shani and Noori, as both batted positivbely to take Pasadena to 50 in 10 overs. But, the luck changed for Pasadena as a 3 wicket slide brought Ventura back in the game. At 58/3, enter Abhemanyu Rajp and Farhan Aziz - what followed was a crucial 130 run 4th wicket partnership that took Pasadena within 50 runs of victory - But a stroll was not on the cards as a 4 wicket slide put Ventura right back on top. It was left to Zafar "Bijli" Rizvi, Vishal Lakhina and Nadir Malik to put on 35 in the last four overs. With 9 off the 42nd, 11 of the 43rd, and 6 of the 44th, Pasadena was left with 9 to get of the last over against Frankie. Bijli and Malik batted without fear as Ventura crumbled under pressure. With two to get of the last ball, Nadir Malik clipped Frankie to the square leg boundary for four. Then began scenes of joy, as the Pasadena herd raided its heros and celebrated its first victory.

Man of the match: Nadir Malik 4/48 (12no) and Zafar Rizvi 2/37 (25no)