Gordonians were the winners with a 23-run win over Grammar 2s in the latest Grade 1 clash. On a day when both teams struggled for consistency, it was Gordonians who strung together critical partnerships and disciplined bowling to edge ahead in a tightly contested encounter at Rubislaw.
Gordonians Set a Competitive 194
Batting first, Gordonians posted 194 all out in 36.4 overs. Their innings was anchored by a mature knock from Ahmed, who blazed his way to 67 off just 46 balls, striking four boundaries and five sixes to lift his team out of trouble after a middle-order wobble.
After the early departure of SDevadas for a duck and Pandit for 11, Mahajan provided some stability with a patient 43 off 71 deliveries. He lacked fluency but held one end while wickets tumbled around him. Khosla (15) and Bhide (10) chipped in, but it was the lower-order fireworks from Zar (29 off 18) that gave Gordonians late momentum.
Grammar 2s’ bowling was spearheaded by Bashir and Ul-Hassnan, both picking up three wickets apiece. Bashir’s 7.4 overs cost 41 runs, while Ul-Hassnan impressed with his economy and discipline, conceding just 29 in his five overs.
Despite 11 extras (all wides), Grammar 2s restricted Gordonians from reaching 200, which at one stage looked very possible.
Grammar 2s Falter in the Chase
Chasing 195 for victory, Grammar 2s began with intent but soon found themselves tangled in a disciplined Gordonians attack. Bedaar (36 off 63) and Bin Khalid (32 off 57) stitched a promising partnership, but the required run rate steadily climbed as boundaries dried up.
The middle order failed to capitalize, with Bashir (3), Masood (17), and Upadhyaya (16) falling at crucial junctures. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and the chase lost steam despite Nasseri’s unbeaten 33. Ultimately, Grammar 2s were held to 171/7 from their allotted 40 overs.
The pick of the Gordonians bowlers was Pandit, who took 2 for 32 in his 8 overs, applying pressure in the middle overs. He was well-supported by Khosla, whose 2 for 29 proved pivotal in the late stages of the game.
Turning Points
A key turning point was the dismissal of Ahmed for 67—Gordonians were well-positioned at 156/6, and his wicket checked their surge toward 220+. However, the quick cameo from Zar ensured a strong finish.
In reply, Grammar 2s were in contention at 126/4, but the stumping of Upadhyaya triggered a collapse from which they never recovered. Gordonians’ fielders also contributed with sharp catching and two crucial stumpings by Sen.
Summary
For Grammar 2s, it was a case of missed opportunities with both bat and ball. They will rue the 18 extras conceded and a lack of major partnership in the middle overs.
