QC Kings v/s Springfield ------------------------ QC Kings beat Springfield by 5 Wickets.
Injury struck QC Kings traveled to Springfield this weekend without their front line bowlers. Springfield won the toss and asked QC Kings to bowl. Some tight bowling from Raj (2/24), Satish (3/30), Dimpy(1/23) and good support from Sukhen (2/44) and Pankaj (2/36) helped contain Springfield to 173 all out. Sanjeev did some gutsy hitting for Springfield in his 50.
QC Kings never looked in trouble during the chase, even though they lost their opener Ravi for duck. Sumukh scored polished 56, Veeru played a cameo innings of 35 and Sukhen did his part with flawless 41.
Overall, it was great cricket throughout the day at Kennedy Park.
Chicago Giants beat Chicago Cricket Club by 60 runs.
Batting first Giants scored 245 in alloted 40 overs. Amazing batting by Giants Dashing Keeper *****Vajid Shethwala***** ((115)) and some great supporting role played by Skipper himself Amer Khan & by Ali Khalid.
Chicago Cricket Club gave a good fight and Waseem made it interesting but in the end CCC were all out for 185 with few overs left.
Congrats to QC Kings and Giants for winning their respective games. Looks like ICC are almost on their way out of playoffs after this weekend loss to Jags.
Keep the updates coming. I'll be back to active blogging after I return from SD.
Bears started off very aggressively with Humayun spanking some big boundaries until he got caught at point. Then came Adeel, who continued his big hitting from the previous outing, hit some big sixes made a brilliant 50. Afroze came in and made some 20 odd runs. At that time the run rate was around 7-8 for the bears. Challengers tightened their screws in the middle overs giving only a run or 2 per over. There was some big hitting from the Bears Tail to finish @ 235.
It was a precarious situation for challengers as we are infamous not to chase big scores.
But this time we defied the odds, the laws of Challengers batting. We got some balanced performance from our batting lineup, with some key partnerships. We lost Darshan @ 22, when he started looking very dangerous (coming off of a brilliant 92 the previous nite against hustlers in 30-30). Dax came in one down and played a fantastic knock of 50 until he was caught behind. Mahesh(34) consolidated at one end, while Rupesh blasted a quick 37. Then it was Mr. Cool Nirav amin (35 n.o), who finished the game with Gitesh 20 n.o on a brilliant 57 run partnership.
For Challengers it was sweet music at the end of a beautiful day..I could hear Bono (U2)singing .........."its a beautiful Day..!! in my head...
yep, thats right. Congrats on a 5fer and a good win!! You guys are definitely on a roll...and something else too.. :-) Like Tango said..maybe steroids.. :-)
Congrats on the win! The bowling is already dangerous, but now it looks like the batting is coming through as well! Looking forward to seeing the Challengers v Wildcats game, if there is one.
Naren,
Well bowled. A 5-fer is very impressive. I won't be there at practice for the next 3 Thursdays, but I'm sure we'll catch up shortly after that.
Great, now I'll be a bench-warmer for the rest of the season. You guys are packed with good players. Would it help if I started bowling, or better yet, keeping?
Shekhs- I wish we could have been on the magic potion, might be we should ask Romeen to cook a concoction to make us more athletic... Adi- i would be there on thursday's till i am in Chicago so would see you after ur break. Jaggi- Thanks, as you know still learning the art of bowling :-).
ahh Romeen- We have been planning for the plate of paya for a month i guess.. darn when would that happen ... waiting for it. What happend to the 30-30.
Jaggi, Prashant (there's no h at the end of his name) plays for the Rockers. He has some of the best hand eye co-ordination I've ever seen. Very good fielder and a great guy to boot. I'll go out on a limb here and say that if he does end up playing for you guys this season, atleast 2 fifties if not more.
Well, the 30-30 game turned out to be a fiasco. We all got to the ground on time, but couldnt get the game started because there were no stumps! The guy who was supposed to get them had to leave for out of town emergently. Very frustrating, we had to give a walkover. This has to be a first.
C'mon, don't be so modest. Your record in Div 2, Div 1, and the night tournament speaks for itself. Also, having seen a lot more of your bowling this year (thankfully not facing), I do think you're pretty darn good!
Hey, if Prashant is playing for us, cool! Welcome.
PCC vs NOstars game played on 30th of June @Mossville, IL
Nostars won the Toss and decided to bat. Our opening bowlers Kiran (quicky and nippy) and Mani (left arm Medium swing) put NOStars batsmen in all sorts trouble. They were reeling at 13/5wks in 6 overs. If its not for Ahsan and Raju, this game would have been long over. Ahsan through little luck played very subdued and controlled innings. On the other had Raju put his head down played a cautious innings for Nostars. We made all necessary bowling changes but Raju and Ahsan didn't want to budge. They didn't take any risk and played very well, just steering the ball around for 1's and 2's and occasional boundaries. They pulled the No stars innings together 68/5 at half time. PCC needed a wicket immediately and made another bowling change through Aswin who got us the break through of Raju. Drawed him out and made him play across the line and reshuffling his stumps at the back. After that Ahsan got stranded at one end and on the other end one after the other batsmen caved in. NOStars made 122 all out in 32.3 overs.
PCC batting was started by Mani and Kiran Prakash. Though they were little cautious at the beginning, they took apart Nostars bowling. They were running were hard between the wickets and few boundaries here and there were helping. Mani awesome power drives were treat to watch..Kiran power play and hitting a huge straight six was a absolute treat to the eyes. PCC romped home almost with out a loss of wicket, when Kiran at 45 tried pull a full toss to the midwicket boundary and was caught when only 8 runs were required to WIN. Then Mani finished off the winning runs with a boundary. Mani and Kiran played a excellent innings for PCC. They ran very well and took everything that fielders had to offer. Another great convincing WIN for PCC! PCC reached the target in 19.2 overs, with Mani unbeaten at 67* and Kiran made well deserved 45 runs.
We have couple of break weeks in July, we will be back in action on 22nd against Chicago Cricket Club..
Arsenal over the Raiders in a nail-biter! Arsenal scored 179, and got the Raiders all out for 178. Heart-breaking loss for the Raiders, but congrats to Arsenal.
Romeen, I sent the dvd thru Narasimha from Arsenal, unfortunately that turned out to be a bad copy (I guess didn't burn right or something) I was able to open it on my computer but he couldn't . I will get them on our night game..on July 10th...My apologies..!
Rup, We made a mess again. Oh well....we have played this game long enough to know we are all winners,regardless. Forget play-offs and trophy,others want it badly.
I am sure we will have a great summer and look forward for the friendly games in Canada.
Get on board and let's get a few people ticked off.
Bhavneet scores 83. This guy is truly an amazing cricketer. It seems as though he steps up his game whenever his team is in trouble. Keep it up Bunty. Balle balle, shava shava, chak de phatte.
just came home for lunch folks....cant blog any more, the dept i moved to recently within my firm has a no email/internet access during work hours rule.....one of my fellow team mates shall post the match reports hence forth....good luck to all....
abt the game, Bunty was amazing again, he scored 83( was out on the last ball of the innings), picked up three crucial wkts and took an excellent catch....Badri and Shyam were brilliant in the game too.....Asif, Khawar, Shakir, Wade and Romesh were the chief contributors from the MCC side.
got to get back to work, as I said some one else from MUCC shall post a more detailed report and for subsequent games.
Yes, sure Sharath! Does someone from your department check the blogs for you? I mean, I'm guessing someone told you that I had called you out on the blog. Hence, you posted a reply (or excuse) within minutes.
Or was that just a coincidence? Like the time you had to run for a meeting when Aditya started making fun of you?
I was thinking ... what if in future ICC comes out with a rule saying ... only former first class cricketers could be umpires in International matches ... Whom of Batsman/Bowler/Allrounder/Wicket-Keeper do you think could become a great umpire ... ???
My take .. WicketKeepers can be highly efficient umpires ...
this is what going to happen when MCCC come down to chicago. they beat all the outsider at their home court but failed to beat average MUCC. talking about home court advantage
I don't know what Ms and Is are. Not sure if you're referring to me, but I'm not ticked off, I'm just curious. People use things like IMHO, IIRC, etc, and I never know what these mean.
Also, I wasn't sure who you played for, but now I know. I'm really surprised that ICC are struggling, though I noticed you are playing well. You guys are too good a team to continue to struggle.
------- Aditya said... Ms and Is? What's that? Which team do you play for Nokhram? ------ Cricket said... where r the updates for Pak gym and flames any one knows? -------
Nokram plays for Illinois - he's a veteran player for them, though last year he captained QC Kings I think. Tough loss for ICC this weekend (though a fantastic win for Jaguars, Vishal seems to have gone completely nuts, with 6 sixes in a 27-ball fifty followed by 5 wickets!) This is ICC's 4th loss IIRC... usually 5 is all you can afford to lose in Div2 if you want to make the playoffs (8-6 almost never makes the playoffs in Div2), so they now have very little margin for error.
There were no Pak Gym and Flames games this weekend, both were postponed before the weekend began.
---------- Aditya said... Arsenal over the Raiders in a nail-biter! Arsenal scored 179, and got the Raiders all out for 178. Heart-breaking loss for the Raiders, but congrats to Arsenal. ---------
I think Swetal (being an ulta-kinda guy) has entered the scorecard upside down :-) That is, I think Raiders probably batted first, and got 178, and Arsenal chased it down getting 179/9 in 39 overs! That would make it Arsenal's 2nd 1-wicket victory in 3 games (the last time they beat the Eagles, with the last pair putting on 40 runs to win it! Prasanna at #11 is turning out to be quite the hero this year with the bat :-)
i doubt it bro. you are now with 12 points and need at least 8 wins for play offs.(9 wins to be certain) but looking at you schedule its difficult. you play MCC, muslim, STL and CATS in in your next seven games and others are not cake walks either (RP/bears/MUCC). i think odds are againts you. losts againts FLAMES and purdue really hurt phoenix
unfortunately, you have one of the toughest schedule.
------------- Madew said... Nostars won the Toss and decided to bat. Our opening bowlers Kiran (quicky and nippy) and Mani (left arm Medium swing) put NOStars batsmen in all sorts trouble. They were reeling at 13/5wks in 6 overs. If its not for Ahsan and
PCC batting was started by Mani and Kiran Prakash. Though they were little cautious at the beginning, they took apart Nostars bowling. They were running were hard between the wickets and few boundaries here and there were helping. Mani awesome power drives were treat to watch..Kiran power play and hitting a huge straight six was a absolute treat to the eyes. --------
I umpired this game. NoStars were 13/5 in the 6th over, with 4 wickets to Maninder Bola and 1 to Kiran! Terrific fightback by them to drag it onwards - they had an 80+ run stand between Ehsan and Raju to carry them to what could have been a competitive total, but their tail folded leaving only 122 which wasnt really defendable. Kiran and Mani then opened the batting as well, and put on 114 in about 17 overs!
This was only my second viewing of Maninder (in the first he was runout in the 3rd over, so I didnt really get to see him bat much). He is a very good batsman - and clearly one that is not (luckily)spoiled by Chicago yet :-) In that, he plays "properly", solidly, the way one is supposed to play, plays the ball on merit, keeps it down etc. He doesnt *appear* to be batting quickly, but he is - this one was, I think, like 68* off about 57 balls (chasing only 122)? And it was never hurried at all, not a single shot when he even tried to hit too much or anything. The one shot that really sticks out in my mind is one pull he played, which was magnificent (even the bowler Tafazzul was raving about it in the car on the way home).. Taff had bowled solid line and length all over, been quietly defended as a result, and then this ball was just a hint of a fraction short... and he got into perfect position quicker than anyone does, right in line, rolled the wrists, and ferociously pulled it *down* for four. Awesome shot. The other thing that sticks in my mind is the beautiful placement.. Nostars put a guy halfway to the longon fence hoping to tempt him to hit.. and he played it all along the ground to the fielders right and ran two, next ball along the ground to the fielders left and ran two, next ball *again* along the ground to the fielders right and ran two :-) That was 6 off 3 balls with not a hint of risk, and the fielder panting and exhausted by the end :-) Terrific batting.
From what little Ive seen so far this year, Peoria clearly appears the team to beat in Div2. IIT is still unbeaten (and I havent seen them this year, they had a terrific win over a strong Jolly Rovers side this week)... but Peoria looks very efficient and strong IMHO. And they seem to me to be built like a team that could really compete in Div1 if they get there (maybe even better than the two teams that went up this season), in the sense that they are built a bit on the Purdue/MilUntd model of Div2 teams that have had Div1 success... they bowl solidly and field well, run well between wickets, bat mostly straight and a long way down with a lot of depth etc. Washington Park in the playoffs will be an adjustment, of course, but at the moment I think they are probably favourites for Div2.
n-w, none of the wildcats are going to LA, a couple were invited but couldnt make it because of personal reasons. And no, I still dont know who you are. :)
CATS MCC STL UNITED PURDUE CHALLENGERS PAK GYM MUSLIM GYM
so quaters
cats - muslim - CATS MCC - PAK - PAK STL - challengers - CHALLengers united - purdue - united
semifinals
CATS - united - cats PAK - challengers - PAK
finals
CATS - PAK - the cats ------------------------
NW, here are my thoughts. Cats, MCC, St Louis, Challengers are definitely in. United, Purdue, Pak Gym, and Muslim Gym are a different story. But I think, most likely, United and Purdue are in too. They have some interesting matches coming up, but more than likely they'll win enough to make it.
Pak has been struggling. A couple of unexpected losses, and they will be in trouble, and they have a tough set of games coming up. Pak Gym not making the playoffs... that's a headline! But I do think that they'll pull through and make it.
Which leaves the interesting proposition, Muslim Gym. Everyone says they've got better with their recent additions. But they have a brutal stretch coming up. If I'm not mistaken, it's Pak Gym, United, Purdue, Challengers, St Louis, Cats, and MCC. That's the most brutal 7 game stretch. Lets see what happens to them after that. They play us after that, which may turn into a playoff game of sorts anyway!!
So, there are still 1-2 spots open as of now. All the teams left have a chance, but I believe the most likely teams are Rogers Park, Phoenix, and Milwaukee United.
Also, from the past few years, 32 points is enough to get you into the playoffs.
So, here's how I see it - we have to win 5 of our remaining 7 games at minimum. If Phoenix is to make the playoffs, we need to start playing like a Playoff team and winning games. Otherwise, it doesn't matter what other teams do, we aren't going to make it. And, we will need some momentum going into the playoffs anyway, if we are to do anything there.
But as of now, I do think we have a 50-50 shot. Lets see what happens over the next 2 games against the Milw clubs.
agree. i'm not counting you out. its more likely ur game againts muslim gyn would be a make it or break it game. anyway you should have beaten FLAMED and PURDUE.
Dr B said... Rup??? Where r u man? looks like you busy having a meeting with dem boys for next game? ================= I am representing Rup today... We got spank again... What can we say... I am reading about playoffs... what playoffs... :):)LOL
Dr. B, Rup and Chally...Last year PCC was in same precarious propostion as ICC this year..we were 3wins and 4 losses at one point..We had to rally our players to give their best..we had must wins in last 6 games..and we did it..Memorable one was we had must WIN against AAA which was top team last year..We beat them good ..As a team we never gave up....Never give up the fight is all I can say...Fight for every inch..You guys are talented team...Its that time to show committment and passion..Team will automatically..raise to the occasion...Its very tough..being at the edge..but its FUN journey..trust..me..Hope you guys are gong to relish it...
And they seem to me to be built like a team that could really compete in Div1 if they get there (maybe even better than the two teams that went up this season)
WOW! They are better than Capitol and AAA? I'm sure all the Division I teams must be trembling in fear.
Madhu I agree with you... As a team we need to step up.. I for one need to start to take wickets again I am falling out at the point of delievery messing up my line... I have to fix that... Dr.B trust me I am not ready to play soccer yet... That can wait until Late Oct early Nov.
Sadiq said: I think Swetal (being an ulta-kinda guy) has entered the scorecard upside down :-)
--------
Sadiq jee, kahay humree pol kol rahain hain aap. Hum jub seedhay chaltey hai, toh sub-kooch ulta dikhta hai. Toh hum sochey, teek hai, ulta chal latainhai. Pur, phir bhi, cheezay ulti hi deekthi hai! :).....woh, dakheeya, zaraa genetic mamlaa hai...zaraa gambheer mamlaa hai....kaa karay batayian ?
But thou be right...Will have to fix the scorecard...Raiders did bat first and in-spite of all concentrated efforts by our top (ME! in particular) and middle order to give the game right back to the Raiders, our tail wagged hard and strong and they pulled us out of another mess.
Vijay, Prakash, Prasanna pitched in another stellar performance.
Am headed to the temple this week to get a Kaal-Sarp (Black Cobra) yagna done to get rid of our top order batting woes !
NW, you're right. But if you bowl 40+ wides, you deserve to lose, and so we did! Trust me, after that game, we all had to do some serious soul searching!
Tango, a little harsh! Yes, our bowling hasn't been upto the mark and you're right to say that. But we do have the ability to be a decent/good bowling team.
Priyank is a stud! Simple as that. And a very under-rated cricketer. He's up there among the best all-rounders, but few realize that.
Jaggi is a very good bowler and one who is very consistent. Nikunj is shaping up in that model as well. Athreya has been bowling quite well, and pretty quick. Ask Faizal and Nipun. Mitul has been inconsistent, but can be a difficult customer at times. Shiva is a pretty good spinner in my opinion, and Fabian can be a handful as a spinner as well. But Arun can be the key. I don't know how many people know about him, but when he's on-song, he'll get a 5-fer everytime as he did last year against Pak Gym.
Anyway, cricket is about what you actually do on the field, not what you can do. So, we'll just have to see how the season pans out, but I'm optimistic.
yeah, you know anything is possible and its never done until its done. anyway i think you should compare phoenix with similar teams like MUCC or purdue or united and compare man to man. then you can see what you have been missing so far.
OK, tango and n_w, at the end of the season, you guys HAVE to "come out" (if you will),atleast to me,in person,next year you can come back with new nicks.
For all you know, I might just do a Romeen and call out the wrong guy as you did with NW! But I now have a suspicion. And I will say, I believe NW is a gujju bhai!
You are right tango, I'm a big gossip :) However, if I think somebody's gonna get the crap beat out of them if their identity is revealed, I might keep my mouth shut. I did that with Shekhs last year, ask him.
OK, how did n_w know that I went after my best buddy???? Coz I didnt say that to anybody else but the best buddy! Maybe my best buddy is not the best after all :)
OK, I think a total of 400 runs will be scored tomorrow. There'll be a total of 14 sixes. The team batting second will win. And my final prediction..... n_w will give Adi the slip.
------------------------- OK, I think a total of 400 runs will be scored tomorrow. There'll be a total of 14 sixes. The team batting second will win. And my final prediction..... n_w will give Adi the slip. ------------------------
400 runs will not be scored. There will be less than 14 sixes. Challengers will win! Doesn't matter if they bat first or second. We'll see what happens with N_W.
-------- neanderthal_walking said... so who is going to LA ? ---------
This year apparently nobody has announced a roster for LA, bar one team (well, and Midwest United too, but thats not officially announced on the LA site either, last I checked I think). (Yes, yes, I know you meant for MCC... but Iam taking the excuse to talk about a different side going to LA :-)
Still, the one team that has announced a roster, I think might well win the whole thing (early prediction :-) That is AM International, and their squad is:
---------- Mohammed Azharuddin (c) Nikhil Chopra (vc) (the two worst players in the side, probably ;-) Abhishek Nair - current Bombay Ranji allrounder, about 22 years old IIRC. Had a terrific Ranji season last year (nearly 50 avg with bat, about 20 avg with ball). Abhishek Zuzunwala - The rest of India knows this Bong as Jhunjhunwala :-) Current Bengal Ranji star, probably the best young Bengal bat after Manoj Tewari (and behind only Ganguly and Rohan Gavaskar overall). Nuwan Zoysa - SL lefty paceman, played for them even a year or two ago. Pretty quick. Avishka Gunawardene - big-hitting SL opener, also played within the last couple years. Both these guys are not more than 30 Id guess. Paul Valthaty - former India U19 hitter-opener, Bombay U19 too, now about 24 or so probably. Played LA Open last year too. Azhar Bilakiya - Current Gujarat Ranji opener, young guy, only about 21-22 Id guess. I think he got a Ranji ton last year, and had a solid overall season opening the batting for Gujarat. Rajesh Verma - Current Bombay Ranji new-ball bowler, played 3-4 Ranji games last year (and only missed the rest due to injury). Mid 20s in age. Kumara Dharmasena - SL offie, played LA Open last year too, he's probably mid-30s in age however. Rohan Gavaskar - current Bengal Ranji, former India, about 30 still. Mandeep Mangela - current Bombay Ranji paceman, only made his debut last year and played 1 or 2 games, fringe pacer. However did very well in LA Open last year for champs Air India. Early 20s in age as well. Romesh Kaluwitharana - another older guy, but big-hitting SL keeper-opener who Raheel in particular remembers well ;-) Sushant Marathe - Current Bombay Ranji OD opener, former India U19 opener/keeper, about 21 years old. Star of last years LA Open, with fifties in the quarters, semis and finals consecutively. Naman Ojha - current keeper/opener for Madhya Pradesh in Ranji cricket, probably mid-20s in age, very good keeper/bat who has played zonal-level cricket too (for Central Zone), and some feel may have even gotten near-international exposure if a little luckier.
This is one heck of a side, very young and fit mostly, a bit like the Air India team that won the title last season. Until we see who Punjab Blues puts up this season its hard to predict any winner, but this team will be very hard to beat.
Nice break down of the AM squad Sadiq bhai, yes yes I remember Kalu I got him OUT! (erm .. after 18 runs in 5 balls) hehe. But seeing as he has at various times taken apart McGrath, Damien Fleming, Waqar Younis, Darren Gough etc. I think I'm in esteemed company ;).
I think the major force will be the Australian all stars, they have players who play first class cricket currently or are in 2nd XI's of first class teams (mostly from NSW Blues). The Australian first class standard is better than the English county system and miles ahead of the rest (India, Pak, WI, SL , etc. etc.).
so knowing who will compete in this, don't we owe it to our mcc players to get them ready to comptete against such talent? and what are we doing? no one even knows... they(administration) need to get some games together for them and start doing some prep work.
Hey don't count us Chicagoans out man. I honestly believe, anything can happen in 20/20. If it was a 40/50 over game, then no way any of us have a chance. But 20/20, if one puts up 150 on board, gets couple of quick wickets, few blinders get stuck to hands, hey anything can happen. Then we would be singing about our glory day to our grand, great grand and great great grand kids. Himmat na haar, give your best. Sadiq stop scaring everybody.
are you suggesting we should take a rag tag bunch and not practise and go on a hope and a prayer. and figure the pros will have a bad day and we can rejoice in beating guys that have been playing together and train everyday for this sort of stuff. wake up and smell the roses.
I agree with Mehul, anything is possible in 20-20, even 50 overs as Ireland (bunch of club/weekend cricketers like us who PAY to play) beat Pakistan (a test team) in the world cup.
The biggest challenge to us comes from the surface I think not the stars ;) esp. while batting, the ball comes on totally different to the matting / astro. I remember in the first match vs FL (the one we actually WON) most of our top order was out playing too early as we're used to the matting pace, the ball grips and comes off a bit slower on the turf. Question is how can we practice for that in the Chicago area?!
Milwaukee is the only place we can do that. I think we should have set up our own 20/20 tourny couple of weekends ago at milwaukee lincoln park ground. Thats probably the closest we could come to conditions there.
if this is the only event we partake in, wouldn't it be prudent to prepare a special playing area, somewhere in the chicago land area? how many years have we been sending a team? and what improvement have we made to make our side more competetive. you guys need to having the attitude of anything can happened to we can make things happened. just my 2 cents. anyone else wishes to opine...
----------- Raheel said... I think the major force will be the Australian all stars, they have players who play first class cricket currently or are in 2nd XI's of first class teams (mostly from NSW Blues). The Australian first class standard is better than the English county system and miles ahead of the rest (India, Pak, WI, SL , etc. etc.). ----------
I agree with the generality, but not with the specifics :-)
There is no question in my mind that the Aussie domestic system is far ahead of anyone elses - they have better pitches, more concentrated talent (only 6 first-class teams, playing home-and-away each, as opposed to India having nearly 30 fc teams for example!). The standard is much much higher than anywhere else, which is why when their players come into international cricket they are completely ready to excel. Unlike the rest of the world's players, who have to do some on-the-job training at the international level. I follow Aussie domestic cricket every year, and I think they have a few domestic players currently who will do very well if they play internationals even today (Phil Jacques, DJ Hussey etc).
However, having said all that, this current "Aussie allstars" coming to LA is not very good at all IMHO. Even following Aussie domestic cricket regularly, this team has players who I havent heard of in domestic cricket :-) Thats because they dont really play domestic cricket! It seems like basically a Bankstown-club dominated bunch that Colin Miller has brought with him. It is a much older team (only 1 or 2 players in their 20s, who are 2nd XI guys), and the rest seem to be retired first-class players mostly. In Miller and Stuart they have 2 former internationals who are now mid-30s, bowlers like Wayne Holdsworth I remember well (very very fast, Aussie national side contender... but that was 10 years ago, he is now like 38 years old!) etc. Have 4-5 former NSW fc players from Bankstown who are now 35 or so and retired. And then a couple 24-25 year olds, former NSW U19 players who have not yet made the NSW first-class team (these will probably be the dangerous ones). But overall, from the side I see, I'd back AM International to beat this side IMHO.
I think the Fooglies and the Washington DC Tigers may have their rosters up as well... neither of those sides appears particularly threatening, almost entirely just home-grown players like our teams I think. (Fooglies have a couple players like Sushil Nadkarni that Ive heard of, but he too is a US player anyway, except he's a star out of Texas, not California; and they also seem to have one current Ranji star, Karnataka's NSC Aiyappa, a very quick bowler. DC appears home-grown entirely I think). The other teams that have rosters up... I think they are just from last year and not yet updated, at least they look like that to me (our Chicago Midwest squad is definitely from last year, at least, and Punjab Blues looks like last years, with Ambrose, Lawson etc - I presume its just not been completely updated yet).
467 comments:
1 – 200 of 467 Newer› Newest»QC Kings v/s Springfield
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QC Kings beat Springfield by 5 Wickets.
Injury struck QC Kings traveled to Springfield this weekend without their front line bowlers. Springfield won the toss and asked QC Kings to bowl. Some tight bowling from Raj (2/24), Satish (3/30), Dimpy(1/23) and good support from Sukhen (2/44) and Pankaj (2/36) helped contain Springfield to 173 all out. Sanjeev did some gutsy hitting for Springfield in his 50.
QC Kings never looked in trouble during the chase, even though they lost their opener Ravi for duck. Sumukh scored polished 56, Veeru played a cameo innings of 35 and Sukhen did his part with flawless 41.
Overall, it was great cricket throughout the day at Kennedy Park.
Thanks
QC Kings
Team Member
hello
Chicago Giants beat Chicago Cricket Club by 60 runs.
Batting first Giants scored 245 in alloted 40 overs. Amazing batting by Giants Dashing Keeper *****Vajid Shethwala***** ((115)) and some great supporting role played by Skipper himself Amer Khan & by Ali Khalid.
Chicago Cricket Club gave a good fight and Waseem made it interesting but in the end CCC were all out for 185 with few overs left.
Thanks,
Tonald Drump
Congrats to QC Kings and Giants for winning their respective games. Looks like ICC are almost on their way out of playoffs after this weekend loss to Jags.
Keep the updates coming. I'll be back to active blogging after I return from SD.
Thanks
Pranav
Bears Vs. Challengers
WP 4 - July 1 2007
Challengers won by 4 wickets
Challengers won the toss and elected field.
Bears started off very aggressively with Humayun spanking some big boundaries until he got caught at point.
Then came Adeel, who continued his big hitting from the previous outing, hit some big sixes made a brilliant 50. Afroze came in and made some 20 odd runs.
At that time the run rate was around 7-8 for the bears. Challengers tightened their screws in the middle overs giving only a run or 2 per over.
There was some big hitting from the Bears Tail to finish @ 235.
It was a precarious situation for challengers as we are infamous not to chase big scores.
But this time we defied the odds, the laws of Challengers batting.
We got some balanced performance from our batting lineup, with some key partnerships.
We lost Darshan @ 22, when he started looking very dangerous (coming off of a brilliant 92 the previous nite against hustlers in 30-30).
Dax came in one down and played a fantastic knock of 50 until he was caught behind.
Mahesh(34) consolidated at one end, while Rupesh blasted a quick 37.
Then it was Mr. Cool Nirav amin (35 n.o), who finished the game with Gitesh 20 n.o on a brilliant 57 run partnership.
For Challengers it was sweet music at the end of a beautiful day..I could hear Bono (U2)singing .........."its a beautiful Day..!! in my head...
Shekhs-
Hey buddy did u play the game Vs Bears..
I did Naren, made a paltry 14 (caught behind), although I did share a 36 run partnership with Dax.
You ppl won so that is what it all matters ;-), it might not have been on of your days..
yep, thats right. Congrats on a 5fer and a good win!!
You guys are definitely on a roll...and something else too.. :-)
Like Tango said..maybe steroids.. :-)
Naren.. congrats to the cats on the victory and to you on a 5-fer.
Ajit is on a roll.. can you give us more details about your game.
Congratulations to all the winners. Any news on the milwaukee games?
Jaggi,
I wrote a summary, but its on the previous thread.
Shekhs,
Congrats on the win! The bowling is already dangerous, but now it looks like the batting is coming through as well! Looking forward to seeing the Challengers v Wildcats game, if there is one.
Naren,
Well bowled. A 5-fer is very impressive. I won't be there at practice for the next 3 Thursdays, but I'm sure we'll catch up shortly after that.
Shekhs,
wanna do something this week?
Adi, I heard you guys signed Prashant. Thats a brilliant move. Prashant's very gifted.
Huh? Really? Prashant who?
That's news to me!
Sorry, was it supposed to be a secret?
Mitul's gonna kill me now.
I'm sure he's really gifted, but I don't know who that is.
Talk to Mitul.
No, I don't think it's a secret! Or at least, I should be in on it, since last I checked, I do play for Phoenix.
Anything else I should know about?? ;-)
Sure Romeen, we can definitely plan something this week.
Are you gonna make it to the night game on Tuesday?
Well, since you ask, Phoenix is planning to trade you to the Wildcats :)
Adi,
Thanks man. I think our batting is slowly coming thru...hopefully will get better..
Shekhs, am on call tuesday, pick some other day.
And Shekhs, congrats on your win.
Give my best to tushar and the gang.
Naren, maybe we can practice wed and get a bite to eat after that.
Romeen,
I will follow up with him. Congrats on yet another win!
Naren was a great pickup for you guys. He adds a major dimension to your bowling attack and variety. Plus, 5-fers can't hurt his case!
Romeen,
How about Friday?
The blog gives information faster than lightning..(an old cricket saying)..:)
Romeen.. which Prashanth are we talking about?
Thanks Adi.
Yeah, plus Naren's a good fielder too.
I'm being traded??!! ;-)
Great, now I'll be a bench-warmer for the rest of the season. You guys are packed with good players. Would it help if I started bowling, or better yet, keeping?
Shekhs, friday might work.
Shekhs-
I wish we could have been on the magic potion, might be we should ask Romeen to cook a concoction to make us more athletic...
Adi- i would be there on thursday's till i am in Chicago so would see you after ur break.
Jaggi- Thanks, as you know still learning the art of bowling :-).
Naren,
I think you are past the "learning" stage as your 5-fer shows. Even the great JAGGI hasn't got a 5-fer so far in Div 1!!!
ahh Romeen-
We have been planning for the plate of paya for a month i guess.. darn when would that happen ... waiting for it.
What happend to the 30-30.
dude adi.. easy on the great part... have not done anything "great" to be even considered.
I dont if I'm too slow for a monday morning....but I tell you..you guys are too fast..
I can't keep up with your blogging pace..
Aiite Romeen Friday it is..
Naren, yeah, I definitely could use some kinda potion.. :-)
Jaggi, Prashant (there's no h at the end of his name) plays for the Rockers.
He has some of the best hand eye co-ordination I've ever seen. Very good fielder and a great guy to boot.
I'll go out on a limb here and say that if he does end up playing for you guys this season, atleast 2 fifties if not more.
20/20: Challengers Vs Pak on Tue Night. Thats got to be a cracker.. is Satha playing?
Well, the 30-30 game turned out to be a fiasco.
We all got to the ground on time, but couldnt get the game started because there were no stumps!
The guy who was supposed to get them had to leave for out of town emergently.
Very frustrating, we had to give a walkover.
This has to be a first.
Jaggi,
C'mon, don't be so modest. Your record in Div 2, Div 1, and the night tournament speaks for itself. Also, having seen a lot more of your bowling this year (thankfully not facing), I do think you're pretty darn good!
Hey, if Prashant is playing for us, cool! Welcome.
But enough of the Phoenix love-fest!
PCC vs NOstars game played on 30th of June @Mossville, IL
Nostars won the Toss and decided to bat. Our opening bowlers Kiran (quicky and nippy) and Mani (left arm Medium swing) put NOStars batsmen in all sorts trouble. They were reeling at 13/5wks in 6 overs. If its not for Ahsan and Raju, this game would have been long over. Ahsan through little luck played very subdued and controlled innings. On the other had Raju put his head down played a cautious innings for Nostars. We made all necessary bowling changes but Raju and Ahsan didn't want to budge. They didn't take any risk and played very well, just steering the ball around for 1's and 2's and occasional boundaries. They pulled the No stars innings together 68/5 at half time. PCC needed a wicket immediately and made another bowling change through Aswin who got us the break through of Raju. Drawed him out and made him play across the line and reshuffling his stumps at the back. After that Ahsan got stranded at one end and on the other end one after the other batsmen caved in. NOStars made 122 all out in 32.3 overs.
PCC batting was started by Mani and Kiran Prakash. Though they were little cautious at the beginning, they took apart Nostars bowling. They were running were hard between the wickets and few boundaries here and there were helping. Mani awesome power drives were treat to watch..Kiran power play and hitting a huge straight six was a absolute treat to the eyes. PCC romped home almost with out a loss of wicket, when Kiran at 45 tried pull a full toss to the midwicket boundary and was caught when only 8 runs were required to WIN. Then Mani finished off the winning runs with a boundary. Mani and Kiran played a excellent innings for PCC. They ran very well and took everything that fielders had to offer. Another great convincing WIN for PCC! PCC reached the target in 19.2 overs, with Mani unbeaten at 67* and Kiran made well deserved 45 runs.
We have couple of break weeks in July, we will be back in action on 22nd against Chicago Cricket Club..
signing off..
Cheers
Madhu Reddy
PCC
lolz that is a bit hilarious too, not a good thing to drive all the way to Indiana n get a walkover...anyhow are we practicing on wed ?
hey Madhu,
Sharath was asking for the DVDs when we visited Milwaukee.
Jaggi,
Satha might play, still not sure.
My sneaky friend Romeen took Satha's email and tried to get him to play for the cats.. :-)
Whats up with that Romeen? :-)
Arsenal over the Raiders in a nail-biter! Arsenal scored 179, and got the Raiders all out for 178. Heart-breaking loss for the Raiders, but congrats to Arsenal.
Naren, if you laugh again, no more bowling for you for the next 2 games! :)
No, I agree, its kinda funny, but extremely frustrating
Looks like MilUnited won against MUCC.. might be they are getting back to the grove.
way to go Arsenal !!
I'm surprised Swetal hasnt called me yet.
Hangover, maybe?
Romeen,
I sent the dvd thru Narasimha from Arsenal, unfortunately that turned out to be a bad copy (I guess didn't burn right or something) I was able to open it on my computer but he couldn't . I will get them on our night game..on July 10th...My apologies..!
Cheers
Madhu
Rup,
We made a mess again. Oh well....we have played this game long enough to know we are all winners,regardless. Forget play-offs and trophy,others want it badly.
I am sure we will have a great summer and look forward for the friendly games in Canada.
Get on board and let's get a few people ticked off.
Nokhram
Naren, you mean MCC?
My bad MCC...
Satha might play, still not sure.
My sneaky friend Romeen took Satha's email and tried to get him to play for the cats.. :-)
Whats up with that Romeen? :-)
Shekhs,
I have to (sheepishly) agree, that was sneaky of me :)
Hey, but do you blame me? Who doesnt want Satha on their team?
Congrats Sharath!
Any details on the game?
Oh, Oh. Here comes MUCC. I was hoping they'd stay out of the playoff race this year!!!
Oh well, the more the merrier.
Where's Tango and n_w?
No biggie romeen...I was just giving you a hard time..
I dont really care if Satha plays for the cats or anybody else..but it would be nice if he can play the night game...he never played one before...
He has to work on the 4th (maybe because he is canadian), so he's not sure if he can make it on 3rd evening and then head back to Springfield..
In a first, local games are being televised on DirecTV... check this out.. http://www.dreamcricket.com/dreamcricket/news.hspl?nid=6824&ntid=4
I hope we can showcase some of our games. I think 20/20 would be a good start.
I think Romeen is the no 1 recruiter in the league. :)
Bhavneet scores 83. This guy is truly an amazing cricketer. It seems as though he steps up his game whenever his team is in trouble.
Keep it up Bunty. Balle balle, shava shava, chak de phatte.
way to go Bunty!
Tango, did you mean 'chuck' de phatte :)
Sharath,
You can come out of hibernation now. Your team won a big game over the weekend.
Opps sorry Romeen, your right!
I'm such a stupid chuck!
just came home for lunch folks....cant blog any more, the dept i moved to recently within my firm has a no email/internet access during work hours rule.....one of my fellow team mates shall post the match reports hence forth....good luck to all....
abt the game, Bunty was amazing again, he scored 83( was out on the last ball of the innings), picked up three crucial wkts and took an excellent catch....Badri and Shyam were brilliant in the game too.....Asif, Khawar, Shakir, Wade and Romesh were the chief contributors from the MCC side.
got to get back to work, as I said some one else from MUCC shall post a more detailed report and for subsequent games.
sharath
Yes, sure Sharath! Does someone from your department check the blogs for you? I mean, I'm guessing someone told you that I had called you out on the blog. Hence, you posted a reply (or excuse) within minutes.
Or was that just a coincidence? Like the time you had to run for a meeting when Aditya started making fun of you?
I was thinking ... what if in future ICC comes out with a rule saying ... only former first class cricketers could be umpires in International matches ... Whom of Batsman/Bowler/Allrounder/Wicket-Keeper do you think could become a great umpire ... ???
My take .. WicketKeepers can be highly efficient umpires ...
Dr. B,
Did you play in the game against Jaguars? I know you are their leading run getter.
Cheers
Pranav
No I did not,but what does it it matter anyways. We have a lot well wishers,as you can see.
Thanks bro.
Nokhram
"But I din't play"...seems like you hardly play yourself. Yeah,lets both put the blame on the others.
And that guy who made fun of us will learn his M's and I's next time around.
Thanks bro
Nokhram.
Ms and Is? What's that? Which team do you play for Nokhram?
how is everyone doing. capitol final won a game. good work guys.
where r the updates for Pak gym and flames any one knows?
has sharath gone to jail? no internet no email.
already getting someone into the ticking-off stages.
No hard feelings man. just love the fun of teasing.
Rup??? Where r u man? looks like you busy having a meeting with dem boys for next game?
this is what going to happen when MCCC come down to chicago. they beat all the outsider at their home court but failed to beat average MUCC.
talking about home court advantage
Who grabbed my ass?
romeen,
rumor has it three of CATS going to LA. do you want act like you dont know? :))
brother tango, why dont u make a come back in a different name. we miss you here
Nokhram,
I don't know what Ms and Is are. Not sure if you're referring to me, but I'm not ticked off, I'm just curious. People use things like IMHO, IIRC, etc, and I never know what these mean.
Also, I wasn't sure who you played for, but now I know. I'm really surprised that ICC are struggling, though I noticed you are playing well. You guys are too good a team to continue to struggle.
adi,
wanna talk about ur play off chances?
Sure NW. Tell me what you think!! :-)
BTW (notice the chat lingo), what are Ms and Is???
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Aditya said...
Ms and Is? What's that? Which team do you play for Nokhram?
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Cricket said...
where r the updates for Pak gym and flames any one knows?
-------
Nokram plays for Illinois - he's a veteran player for them, though last year he captained QC Kings I think. Tough loss for ICC this weekend (though a fantastic win for Jaguars, Vishal seems to have gone completely nuts, with 6 sixes in a 27-ball fifty followed by 5 wickets!) This is ICC's 4th loss IIRC... usually 5 is all you can afford to lose in Div2 if you want to make the playoffs (8-6 almost never makes the playoffs in Div2), so they now have very little margin for error.
There were no Pak Gym and Flames games this weekend, both were postponed before the weekend began.
c8w
NW, what do you think are the playoff chances for all the teams? I have some ideas.... but I'd like to see what you think as well.
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Aditya said...
Arsenal over the Raiders in a nail-biter! Arsenal scored 179, and got the Raiders all out for 178. Heart-breaking loss for the Raiders, but congrats to Arsenal.
---------
I think Swetal (being an ulta-kinda guy) has entered the scorecard upside down :-) That is, I think Raiders probably batted first, and got 178, and Arsenal chased it down getting 179/9 in 39 overs! That would make it Arsenal's 2nd 1-wicket victory in 3 games (the last time they beat the Eagles, with the last pair putting on 40 runs to win it! Prasanna at #11 is turning out to be quite the hero this year with the bat :-)
c8w
i doubt it bro. you are now with 12 points and need at least 8 wins for play offs.(9 wins to be certain) but looking at you schedule its difficult. you play MCC, muslim, STL and CATS in in your next seven games and others are not cake walks either (RP/bears/MUCC).
i think odds are againts you. losts againts FLAMES and purdue really hurt phoenix
unfortunately, you have one of the toughest schedule.
adi,
i'm sticking to my original predictions. these copied from the last thread.
------------
here are my play off teams in order
CATS
MCC
STL
UNITED
PURDUE
CHALLENGERS
PAK GYM
MUSLIM GYM
so quaters
cats - muslim - CATS
MCC - PAK - PAK
STL - challengers - CHALLengers
united - purdue - united
semifinals
CATS - united - cats
PAK - challengers - PAK
finals
CATS - PAK - the cats
me thinks cats and pak will lose, challengers will be the champions this time or someone unexpected like st louis or mcc (away teams).
-------------
Madew said...
Nostars won the Toss and decided to bat. Our opening bowlers Kiran (quicky and nippy) and Mani (left arm Medium swing) put NOStars batsmen in all sorts trouble. They were reeling at 13/5wks in 6 overs. If its not for Ahsan and
PCC batting was started by Mani and Kiran Prakash. Though they were little cautious at the beginning, they took apart Nostars bowling. They were running were hard between the wickets and few boundaries here and there were helping. Mani awesome power drives were treat to watch..Kiran power play and hitting a huge straight six was a absolute treat to the eyes.
--------
I umpired this game. NoStars were 13/5 in the 6th over, with 4 wickets to Maninder Bola and 1 to Kiran! Terrific fightback by them to drag it onwards - they had an 80+ run stand between Ehsan and Raju to carry them to what could have been a competitive total, but their tail folded leaving only 122 which wasnt really defendable. Kiran and Mani then opened the batting as well, and put on 114 in about 17 overs!
This was only my second viewing of Maninder (in the first he was runout in the 3rd over, so I didnt really get to see him bat much). He is a very good batsman - and clearly one that is not (luckily)spoiled by Chicago yet :-) In that, he plays "properly", solidly, the way one is supposed to play, plays the ball on merit, keeps it down etc. He doesnt *appear* to be batting quickly, but he is - this one was, I think, like 68* off about 57 balls (chasing only 122)? And it was never hurried at all, not a single shot when he even tried to hit too much or anything. The one shot that really sticks out in my mind is one pull he played, which was magnificent (even the bowler Tafazzul was raving about it in the car on the way home).. Taff had bowled solid line and length all over, been quietly defended as a result, and then this ball was just a hint of a fraction short... and he got into perfect position quicker than anyone does, right in line, rolled the wrists, and ferociously pulled it *down* for four. Awesome shot. The other thing that sticks in my mind is the beautiful placement.. Nostars put a guy halfway to the longon fence hoping to tempt him to hit.. and he played it all along the ground to the fielders right and ran two, next ball along the ground to the fielders left and ran two, next ball *again* along the ground to the fielders right and ran two :-) That was 6 off 3 balls with not a hint of risk, and the fielder panting and exhausted by the end :-) Terrific batting.
From what little Ive seen so far this year, Peoria clearly appears the team to beat in Div2. IIT is still unbeaten (and I havent seen them this year, they had a terrific win over a strong Jolly Rovers side this week)... but Peoria looks very efficient and strong IMHO. And they seem to me to be built like a team that could really compete in Div1 if they get there (maybe even better than the two teams that went up this season), in the sense that they are built a bit on the Purdue/MilUntd model of Div2 teams that have had Div1 success... they bowl solidly and field well, run well between wickets, bat mostly straight and a long way down with a lot of depth etc. Washington Park in the playoffs will be an adjustment, of course, but at the moment I think they are probably favourites for Div2.
c8w
so romeen,
did u catch me?
c8w,
i dont see you talking about DIV I mush these days. whats up with that
Nice report Cricketwallah..
any bloggers comin to see the opening night match tomorrow? im think abt droppin by.
me too
how about predictions on night match tomorrow abt scores etc...
We should have a team and call it the "Bloggers CC". What u say? Or "BCC" for short. Or B's.
Ah come-on man,not a good idea? We will make Rup the captain,when he return from his meeting.
I'll be there too.. :-)
Hey n_w, are you gonna stop and say hello... :-) drop a clue..?
How about you Tango?
and you s_w?
shekhs,
maybe
n-w, none of the wildcats are going to LA, a couple were invited but couldnt make it because of personal reasons.
And no, I still dont know who you are. :)
So Romeen,
You can't cut class like you did in school...during your call..?
:-)
Come for a coupla hours tomorrow..
------------
here are my play off teams in order
CATS
MCC
STL
UNITED
PURDUE
CHALLENGERS
PAK GYM
MUSLIM GYM
so quaters
cats - muslim - CATS
MCC - PAK - PAK
STL - challengers - CHALLengers
united - purdue - united
semifinals
CATS - united - cats
PAK - challengers - PAK
finals
CATS - PAK - the cats
------------------------
NW, here are my thoughts. Cats, MCC, St Louis, Challengers are definitely in. United, Purdue, Pak Gym, and Muslim Gym are a different story. But I think, most likely, United and Purdue are in too. They have some interesting matches coming up, but more than likely they'll win enough to make it.
Pak has been struggling. A couple of unexpected losses, and they will be in trouble, and they have a tough set of games coming up. Pak Gym not making the playoffs... that's a headline! But I do think that they'll pull through and make it.
Which leaves the interesting proposition, Muslim Gym. Everyone says they've got better with their recent additions. But they have a brutal stretch coming up. If I'm not mistaken, it's Pak Gym, United, Purdue, Challengers, St Louis, Cats, and MCC. That's the most brutal 7 game stretch. Lets see what happens to them after that. They play us after that, which may turn into a playoff game of sorts anyway!!
So, there are still 1-2 spots open as of now. All the teams left have a chance, but I believe the most likely teams are Rogers Park, Phoenix, and Milwaukee United.
Also, from the past few years, 32 points is enough to get you into the playoffs.
So, here's how I see it - we have to win 5 of our remaining 7 games at minimum. If Phoenix is to make the playoffs, we need to start playing like a Playoff team and winning games. Otherwise, it doesn't matter what other teams do, we aren't going to make it. And, we will need some momentum going into the playoffs anyway, if we are to do anything there.
But as of now, I do think we have a 50-50 shot. Lets see what happens over the next 2 games against the Milw clubs.
Don't count us out just yet!
adi,
agree. i'm not counting you out. its more likely ur game againts muslim gyn would be a make it or break it game. anyway you should have beaten FLAMED and PURDUE.
Dr B said...
Rup??? Where r u man? looks like you busy having a meeting with dem boys for next game?
=================
I am representing Rup today...
We got spank again... What can we say...
I am reading about playoffs...
what playoffs... :):)LOL
Chally:
I meant "play...off". You may want to turn your attention to soccer,your second sport. I will see you guys after vacation.
Shekhs, unfortunately there's no cutting in-house call, I'm gonna miss a good game.
Dr. B, Rup and Chally...Last year PCC was in same precarious propostion as ICC this year..we were 3wins and 4 losses at one point..We had to rally our players to give their best..we had must wins in last 6 games..and we did it..Memorable one was we had must WIN against AAA which was top team last year..We beat them good ..As a team we never gave up....Never give up the fight is all I can say...Fight for every inch..You guys are talented team...Its that time to show committment and passion..Team will automatically..raise to the occasion...Its very tough..being at the edge..but its FUN journey..trust..me..Hope you guys are gong to relish it...
Good luck to you guys!
Cheers
Madhu Reddy
PCC
NW,
You're absolutely right. There are no excuses for the Flames game. We should have won that.
For the Purdue game, they're a good team. Still, if we want to make the playoffs, we have to win those games.
That is why we are struggling. Otherwise, at this point, we'd be sitting pretty... no doubt!
And they seem to me to be built like a team that could really compete in Div1 if they get there (maybe even better than the two teams that went up this season)
WOW! They are better than Capitol and AAA? I'm sure all the Division I teams must be trembling in fear.
Madhu I agree with you... As a team we need to step up.. I for one need to start to take wickets again I am falling out at the point of delievery messing up my line... I have to fix that...
Dr.B trust me I am not ready to play soccer yet... That can wait until Late Oct early Nov.
Aditya,
Phoenix's bowling is shitty. Priyank is the only good bowler in your team.
Chally,
Where do you play soccer?
Is that a league?
I'd like to check it out..
adi,
i know they are good but looking at your schedule you had to pull out that game. specially after scoring 200 or so
Sadiq said:
I think Swetal (being an ulta-kinda guy) has entered the scorecard upside down :-)
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Sadiq jee, kahay humree pol kol rahain hain aap. Hum jub seedhay chaltey hai, toh sub-kooch ulta dikhta hai. Toh hum sochey, teek hai, ulta chal latainhai. Pur, phir bhi, cheezay ulti hi deekthi hai! :).....woh, dakheeya, zaraa genetic mamlaa hai...zaraa gambheer mamlaa hai....kaa karay batayian ?
But thou be right...Will have to fix the scorecard...Raiders did bat first and in-spite of all concentrated efforts by our top (ME! in particular) and middle order to give the game right back to the Raiders, our tail wagged hard and strong and they pulled us out of another mess.
Vijay, Prakash, Prasanna pitched in another stellar performance.
Am headed to the temple this week to get a Kaal-Sarp (Black Cobra) yagna done to get rid of our top order batting woes !
You still umpiring our upcoming Madison game?
lol Swetal..thats funny..
Maybe you just need to see "Ulti Wala Baba".....
He is always there in front of the Liqour shop by WP...
shekhs bhai,
Mai bolee Daroo peenay say Liver kharab hota hai....hmm...nah, who Bachhan-jee bola they. :)
But gonna give that a shot too...maybe a few drinks b4 the match and we will bat better?!
U guys all geared up for morrow? Am gonna come watch..might be a bit late but gonna be there for a cracker of a game!
Swetal Bhai,
Hum log Liver hatheli pe leke ghoomte hein..
I think we are ready for tomorrow...I mean..you know Challengers...its either hit or miss.... :-)
So, be ready for some 4th of July eve fireworks... It'll be either Challengers or Pak Gymkhana..
shekhs I play in river park thats up north by north park college... Its a league under Sports Monster... Its fun
Thanks Chally..I might be interested in playing in fall..
cool..
NW, you're right. But if you bowl 40+ wides, you deserve to lose, and so we did! Trust me, after that game, we all had to do some serious soul searching!
Tango, a little harsh! Yes, our bowling hasn't been upto the mark and you're right to say that. But we do have the ability to be a decent/good bowling team.
Priyank is a stud! Simple as that. And a very under-rated cricketer. He's up there among the best all-rounders, but few realize that.
Jaggi is a very good bowler and one who is very consistent. Nikunj is shaping up in that model as well. Athreya has been bowling quite well, and pretty quick. Ask Faizal and Nipun. Mitul has been inconsistent, but can be a difficult customer at times. Shiva is a pretty good spinner in my opinion, and Fabian can be a handful as a spinner as well. But Arun can be the key. I don't know how many people know about him, but when he's on-song, he'll get a 5-fer everytime as he did last year against Pak Gym.
Anyway, cricket is about what you actually do on the field, not what you can do. So, we'll just have to see how the season pans out, but I'm optimistic.
Athreya and quick? Whew! Faisal and Nipun must be high on something.
Warning: Objects thrown by this bowler are slower than they appear.
LOL!
yeah, you know anything is possible and its never done until its done.
anyway i think you should compare phoenix with similar teams like MUCC or purdue or united and compare man to man. then you can see what you have been missing so far.
Shekhs, I'll need a play-by-play over the phone.
Tango, that's pretty funny!
NW, You're right. That's a good strategy for us to find the right combo to do well.
Tango, did you ever participate in inter college fests back home?
you know, like Mood Indigo, malhar, etc?
I think I know who NW might be...
Romeen,
Well, I was going to do a 'Tapori dance' at the Malhar Festival, but the organizers thought it was a bad idea. So I didn't participate.
Tango, you are weaving this web of intrigue that i find myself getting sucked into. :)
OK, do I know you well?
I don't know Romeen, what do you instincts tell you?
please do tell us adi. u already spoiled tangos good name.
BTW, c8w can give u a good comapison of teams for you
alya kaoochu, tango shetuliyoj che...
Tango, we already know my instincts suck! (n_w will testify).
Naa Mehulya, shetul nathhi, shetul vidyanagar maa bhanyo chhee, tango mane mumbai no laage chhe
tango taari taango bau majboot bhai...pakdaatoj nathi
OK, tango and n_w, at the end of the season, you guys HAVE to "come out" (if you will),atleast to me,in person,next year you can come back with new nicks.
gujarat no hoth to amda sudhi pakdai gayo hoth
NW, I never spoiled Tango's good name. But he nearly spoiled mine!
Tell you what, if I see you at the night game tomorrow, I'll stop by and let you know. How's that?
game on bro
Can someone please translate Romeen's and Mehul's Gujju comments?
Swetal's bihari hindi I understood, but this nathi che business I just don't get.
Adi, you are making me feel like crap, you Mr. know-it-all :)
So, you going to be there tomorrow?
Romeen,
For all you know, I might just do a Romeen and call out the wrong guy as you did with NW! But I now have a suspicion. And I will say, I believe NW is a gujju bhai!
Adi, I cant, have to work.
Well, thats clear as day that he's a gujjubhai, but narrows your search down to lets see.... about 500 people.
Adi, maybe you are going after the same guy that I did!
Wouldnt that be hilarious?!
Romeen, I heard that you have a hard time keeping secrets.
Romeen, who did you go after?
romeen went after his best buddy
Romeen,
I actually meant, I hope NW comes, so that I can say hello. ;-)
I know you can't come based on your posts. I'd be curious to know who you went after as well, in case that who I am thinking!
Yes, the gujju bhai only reduces the number barely. In this league, we could have a Pakistan XI, India XI, and about 20 Gujrati XIs!
Who's the best buddy?
Tango, I like you. Thanks for the motivation. Keep it up!
Anytime Aditya!
Thats what I'm here for.
Mehul, did you know that Romeen is from Mumbai, and he speaks fluent Gujarati?
Gracias Amigo. Glad to have you back on the blogs.
What are your thoughts about the night tournament teams? Who's going to make it to the playoffs, and who will win it all?
You are right tango, I'm a big gossip :)
However, if I think somebody's gonna get the crap beat out of them if their identity is revealed, I might keep my mouth shut. I did that with Shekhs last year, ask him.
OK, how did n_w know that I went after my best buddy????
Coz I didnt say that to anybody else but the best buddy!
Maybe my best buddy is not the best after all :)
but did you go after your best buddy? And who is that 'best buddy' of yours?
ofcourse...i know him since last 6 yrs...tango he was going to take on faisal in one of our games couple yrs back...
OK, I think a total of 400 runs will be scored tomorrow.
There'll be a total of 14 sixes.
The team batting second will win.
And my final prediction.....
n_w will give Adi the slip.
Man, I missed out...
Romeen, you'll have a ball by ball update.. :-)
Elementary, my dear Dr. Lavani. Now, you may have something there! Who is your best buddy?
Tango, thats one secret I'm gonna have to keep. However, if you email me, I'll tell you who the best buddy is.
Mehulya, I remember that day when I took on Faisal,apparently, my brains are even smaller than my puny biceps. What on earth was I thinking? :))))
oh swetal lakhoto? romeen?
tango = swetal? hmmm....
hun challoooo gaadi e chadyo lagoo chu...
so is anyone going to agree with/challenge my predictions for tomorrow's game?
Shekhs, I prefer play-by-play, ball by ball sounds like we might be having phone sex :))
historically challengers vs pak has never been a good game. I am not too sure about ur predictions romeen
Well, history will be re-written tomorrow.
Its going to be one helluva start to AL tourney 07!!
Is anybody still stuck at work besides me and Mehul?
looks like only 2 of us morons..
when's your first nite game?
oye romeen, tushar and bhavesh are also going LA for just having fun...dude ticket laile... jaldi...
next wednesday, night before we leave for LA...
Yeah, I'll try my best to take time off of work. They tell me its a great experience. Lets hope I can do it.
How many games does one get to watch each day?
first day everybody plays 2 games, there are 16 teams, so i guess 12 games (4 pools of 3 teams)
second day everybody plays one game = 8 plus 4 quarter finals
third day semis and final
so total 25 games
http://laopen2020.com/Media_Release___Aussies_to_play_Twenty20_cricket_in_LA.pdf
damn....bappu its going to be lots of firecrackers...
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OK, I think a total of 400 runs will be scored tomorrow.
There'll be a total of 14 sixes.
The team batting second will win.
And my final prediction.....
n_w will give Adi the slip.
------------------------
400 runs will not be scored.
There will be less than 14 sixes.
Challengers will win! Doesn't matter if they bat first or second.
We'll see what happens with N_W.
so who is going to LA ?
Romeen said...
Shekhs, I prefer play-by-play, ball by ball sounds like we might be having phone sex :))
Looks like Romeen u never had phone sex, and if did then it scares me... Ball by ball?
neanderthal_walking
How do you like playing in Muslim? Somebody said your one of the players who Xferred from Bears to Muslim?
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neanderthal_walking said...
so who is going to LA ?
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This year apparently nobody has announced a roster for LA, bar one team (well, and Midwest United too, but thats not officially announced on the LA site either, last I checked I think). (Yes, yes, I know you meant for MCC... but Iam taking the excuse to talk about a different side going to LA :-)
Still, the one team that has announced a roster, I think might well win the whole thing (early prediction :-) That is AM International, and their squad is:
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Mohammed Azharuddin (c)
Nikhil Chopra (vc)
(the two worst players in the side, probably ;-)
Abhishek Nair - current Bombay Ranji allrounder, about 22 years old IIRC. Had a terrific Ranji season last year (nearly 50 avg with bat, about 20 avg with ball).
Abhishek Zuzunwala - The rest of India knows this Bong as Jhunjhunwala :-) Current Bengal Ranji star, probably the best young Bengal bat after Manoj Tewari (and behind only Ganguly and Rohan Gavaskar overall).
Nuwan Zoysa - SL lefty paceman, played for them even a year or two ago. Pretty quick.
Avishka Gunawardene - big-hitting SL opener, also played within the last couple years. Both these guys are not more than 30 Id guess.
Paul Valthaty - former India U19 hitter-opener, Bombay U19 too, now about 24 or so probably. Played LA Open last year too.
Azhar Bilakiya - Current Gujarat Ranji opener, young guy, only about 21-22 Id guess. I think he got a Ranji ton last year, and had a solid overall season opening the batting for Gujarat.
Rajesh Verma - Current Bombay Ranji new-ball bowler, played 3-4 Ranji games last year (and only missed the rest due to injury). Mid 20s in age.
Kumara Dharmasena - SL offie, played LA Open last year too, he's probably mid-30s in age however.
Rohan Gavaskar - current Bengal Ranji, former India, about 30 still.
Mandeep Mangela - current Bombay Ranji paceman, only made his debut last year and played 1 or 2 games, fringe pacer. However did very well in LA Open last year for champs Air India. Early 20s in age as well.
Romesh Kaluwitharana - another older guy, but big-hitting SL keeper-opener who Raheel in particular remembers well ;-)
Sushant Marathe - Current Bombay Ranji OD opener, former India U19 opener/keeper, about 21 years old. Star of last years LA Open, with fifties in the quarters, semis and finals consecutively.
Naman Ojha - current keeper/opener for Madhya Pradesh in Ranji cricket, probably mid-20s in age, very good keeper/bat who has played zonal-level cricket too (for Central Zone), and some feel may have even gotten near-international exposure if a little luckier.
This is one heck of a side, very young and fit mostly, a bit like the Air India team that won the title last season. Until we see who Punjab Blues puts up this season its hard to predict any winner, but this team will be very hard to beat.
c8w
Shekhs, I may attend the blog party this week. I trust Romeen, nevertheless ,will not reveal my identity.
Sounds good Simon...it'll be fun.
The more the merrier..
Nice break down of the AM squad Sadiq bhai, yes yes I remember Kalu I got him OUT! (erm .. after 18 runs in 5 balls) hehe. But seeing as he has at various times taken apart McGrath, Damien Fleming, Waqar Younis, Darren Gough etc. I think I'm in esteemed company ;).
I think the major force will be the Australian all stars, they have players who play first class cricket currently or are in 2nd XI's of first class teams (mostly from NSW Blues). The Australian first class standard is better than the English county system and miles ahead of the rest (India, Pak, WI, SL , etc. etc.).
Australian domestic cricket is definitely miles apart from the rest of the world.
I think the quality of their domestic cricket is what makes them superior than the rest.
It will definitely be fun to watch the international stars perform in LA.
so knowing who will compete in this, don't we owe it to our mcc players to get them ready to comptete against such talent?
and what are we doing? no one even knows... they(administration) need to get some games together for them and start doing some prep work.
Hey don't count us Chicagoans out man. I honestly believe, anything can happen in 20/20. If it was a 40/50 over game, then no way any of us have a chance. But 20/20, if one puts up 150 on board, gets couple of quick wickets, few blinders get stuck to hands, hey anything can happen. Then we would be singing about our glory day to our grand, great grand and great great grand kids. Himmat na haar, give your best. Sadiq stop scaring everybody.
are you suggesting we should take a rag tag bunch and not practise and go on a hope and a prayer. and figure the pros will have a bad day and we can rejoice in beating guys that have been playing together and train everyday for this sort of stuff. wake up and smell the roses.
I agree with Mehul, anything is possible in 20-20, even 50 overs as Ireland (bunch of club/weekend cricketers like us who PAY to play) beat Pakistan (a test team) in the world cup.
The biggest challenge to us comes from the surface I think not the stars ;) esp. while batting, the ball comes on totally different to the matting / astro. I remember in the first match vs FL (the one we actually WON) most of our top order was out playing too early as we're used to the matting pace, the ball grips and comes off a bit slower on the turf. Question is how can we practice for that in the Chicago area?!
Milwaukee is the only place we can do that. I think we should have set up our own 20/20 tourny couple of weekends ago at milwaukee lincoln park ground. Thats probably the closest we could come to conditions there.
if this is the only event we partake in, wouldn't it be prudent to prepare a special playing area, somewhere in the chicago land area? how many years have we been sending a team? and what improvement have we made to make our side more competetive. you guys need to having the attitude of anything can happened to we can make things happened.
just my 2 cents. anyone else wishes to opine...
Mehul the issue is how many from the LA Open roster can make it to Milwaukee (or anywhere else for that matter) to practice/ play?
Are people from STL, Peoria, Purdue and springfield gonna come and play?
Aditya,
Poll question for this week.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How would you rate the performance of MWCC management over the past two years?
a. Good
b. Average
c. Bad
Bad
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Raheel said...
I think the major force will be the Australian all stars, they have players who play first class cricket currently or are in 2nd XI's of first class teams (mostly from NSW Blues). The Australian first class standard is better than the English county system and miles ahead of the rest (India, Pak, WI, SL , etc. etc.).
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I agree with the generality, but not with the specifics :-)
There is no question in my mind that the Aussie domestic system is far ahead of anyone elses - they have better pitches, more concentrated talent (only 6 first-class teams, playing home-and-away each, as opposed to India having nearly 30 fc teams for example!). The standard is much much higher than anywhere else, which is why when their players come into international cricket they are completely ready to excel. Unlike the rest of the world's players, who have to do some on-the-job training at the international level. I follow Aussie domestic cricket every year, and I think they have a few domestic players currently who will do very well if they play internationals even today (Phil Jacques, DJ Hussey etc).
However, having said all that, this current "Aussie allstars" coming to LA is not very good at all IMHO. Even following Aussie domestic cricket regularly, this team has players who I havent heard of in domestic cricket :-) Thats because they dont really play domestic cricket! It seems like basically a Bankstown-club dominated bunch that Colin Miller has brought with him. It is a much older team (only 1 or 2 players in their 20s, who are 2nd XI guys), and the rest seem to be retired first-class players mostly. In Miller and Stuart they have 2 former internationals who are now mid-30s, bowlers like Wayne Holdsworth I remember well (very very fast, Aussie national side contender... but that was 10 years ago, he is now like 38 years old!) etc. Have 4-5 former NSW fc players from Bankstown who are now 35 or so and retired. And then a couple 24-25 year olds, former NSW U19 players who have not yet made the NSW first-class team (these will probably be the dangerous ones). But overall, from the side I see, I'd back AM International to beat this side IMHO.
I think the Fooglies and the Washington DC Tigers may have their rosters up as well... neither of those sides appears particularly threatening, almost entirely just home-grown players like our teams I think. (Fooglies have a couple players like Sushil Nadkarni that Ive heard of, but he too is a US player anyway, except he's a star out of Texas, not California; and they also seem to have one current Ranji star, Karnataka's NSC Aiyappa, a very quick bowler. DC appears home-grown entirely I think). The other teams that have rosters up... I think they are just from last year and not yet updated, at least they look like that to me (our Chicago Midwest squad is definitely from last year, at least, and Punjab Blues looks like last years, with Ambrose, Lawson etc - I presume its just not been completely updated yet).
c8w
Adi,
You are on!
I think I'm gonna kick your butt with the predictions :)
Wanna make it interesting?
sd, I wont reveal your identity, its all good man.
sadiq, are you going to LA?
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