Pasadena Survive OC Scare

In an important game for both sides, Pasadena managed to hold off a gritty OC team to register a close 10 run win. The win takes Pasadena to the middle of a swelling Division 1 pack, and within striking distance of some top teams.

With Valley temperatures in the high 90's, Pasadena thanked lady luck as OC opted to field first. Ali Mukadam (51) returned to form and set the tone with a blistering fifty. Farhan Aziz (40) and Yuvraj Sharma (44) then built on a positive start with a 75 run 4th wicket stand that took Pasadena to 175/3 at the end of the second session (30 overs). However, OC turned things around shortly thereafter, lead by stand in Captain Abhik Vyas (3/38) and the ever consistent Karthik R (2/25). Both bowlers bowled with accuracy to take apart the Pasadena middle order and tale. At 201/9 in 39 overs, it looked as if Pasadena would fold in under 40 overs. Enter David Pieters, Pasadena's South African connection - what followed was an invaluable 30 run last-wicket partnership with regular night watchmen; Nadir Malik. David's gem of a knock took Pasadena to a competitive 231.

With five runs to get, OC started positively against the fiery Pasadena pacers. Ravikandan, was particularly harsh on anything with width and looked in destructive mode. However, with the introduction of Pasadena's spin treo of Abhemanyu, Nadir Malik, and Zafar Rizvi, the run rate increased and wickets fell. Abhemanyu and Nadir bowled well to capture early wickets, but it was Zafar Rizvi, who knocked off four OC batsmen, inlcuding the last two wickets to put an end to an admirable OC effort.

With almost half the season over, Division 1 still remains a very open group.

Man of the match: Ali Mukadam
Highlights will be available: www.pasadenacricketclub.com