Defenders XI Cricket Club could not defend themselves against a power hitting Karizma Cricket Club in their group A game of the New Year Invitational T20 league, played at the Achimota Oval C on Sunday, November 20, 2022.
The week 9 earlier game, had Karizma score 163/4 after Defenders won toss and chose to field.
After sharing points with MMG in earlier in the league, Karizma were determined to pick their maiden points, as they were 27/1 after the 5th over, with Anand Paramasivan bowled by Chandrabos Sharon on the 2nd over.
Karizma kept themselves together with Madhu Raman 24 (35) and Preetham Ananda Acchan 22(23) after the 10th over, having 65/1.
Captain Rohit Makhija and Rexford Bakum (both retired hurt) took over and got Karizma to 110/3 after 15 overs; Abhin Ashok, the executioner on Madhu and Preetham in the 10.5 and 12.6 over respectively.
After 115 minutes and 48 extras, Karizma achieved 163/4 in 20 overs.
Obviously, a time to exhibit bowling and fielding efficacy and off course, what Karizma did, Defenders were kept at 114/9 in 88 mins in the second innings.
It was really slow for Defenders from the beginning but not bad for Francis Bakiweyem 35(36) and Melvin TD 24(19), while Defenders enjoyed only 10 extras, losing by 49 runs.
Suraj Pujary (3.0-0-13-3) was named Player of the Match, as Karizma climbed to 4th from 6th with 3 points in Group A, 1 behind Defenders, BGC and Supreme, who are all with 4 points each.
Losing captain, Sanob Vengali Ravindran says they were unfortunate.
“We played very well, but they scored a very good score and we tried our best but unfortunately, we lost the wickets. We knew the ground was wet and we could take them on but unfortunately, they scored very well. We can still make it with 3 more matches, because we have good batting line up and good bowling line up.”
His opposite number, Rohit Makhija tells TalksenseSports, they just want to play well, but eyes not on the finals.
“The feeling is very good. I think it was a team effort and our batters put up a very good show. All the batters played really well, there was a long partnership and great temperament in the batting and that is why we scored 163 runs, which was very difficult for our opponents to chase. So, I am very happy for the batting side and equally happy with the bowling effort that we have put in.”
“We are trying very hard to give 100% effort for the team and so far, we are not concentrating on reaching the finals, but just playing best games and hopefully, that will lead us to wherever we want to reach.”
Group A bottom side Ras Bhingi comes up next with 5th place MMG in the afternoon match on Sunday, November 27, 2022.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
