In a match that oscillated between collapse and courage, Grammar were handed a sobering nine-wicket defeat, but not before Prash Poosapaddi lit up the innings with a defiant half-century and a stirring last-wicket partnership that gave the scoreboard a semblance of respectability.
Grammar, opting to bat first, found themselves in early trouble as the top order crumbled under sustained pressure from a disciplined bowling attack. Keith (6) and Mapplebeck (8) were both dismissed cheaply, unable to convert cautious starts into meaningful contributions. The early breakthroughs were orchestrated by Malik, who bowled with guile and control, removing both openers and then returning to dismiss captain Haider (4), who edged to slip after a brief stay.
At 25 for 3, Grammar were in dire need of stability, but the middle order offered little resistance. Kantharaju (7) and R Swiergon (24) tried to rebuild, with Swiergon showing some fluency through the off-side, but his dismissal—bowled by Awan—triggered another collapse. The lower middle order folded quickly, with Tanvir (10), Javaid (1), and Navaid (0) all falling in quick succession. From 64 for 4, Grammar slumped to 71 for 8, staring down the barrel of a sub-100 total.
Enter Prash. With wickets tumbling around him, Prash Poosapaddi walked in with the calm of a seasoned campaigner. He began cautiously, rotating the strike and picking off loose deliveries. As the innings wore on, he grew in confidence, unfurling a series of elegant drives and wristy flicks that pierced the infield. His timing was impeccable, and his shot selection mature. While others faltered, Prash stood tall, compiling a composed 52 off 68 balls, laced with seven boundaries.
His innings was not just about runs—it was about defiance. When Gupta (15 off 13) fell at 92, Grammar were nine down, and the end seemed imminent. But Prash found an unlikely partner in Ian Johnston, whose 2 not out off 33 balls was a masterclass in grit. Together, they added 57 runs for the final wicket, frustrating the bowlers and dragging Grammar to 149 before Prash was finally dismissed, caught trying to accelerate in the 39th over.
The total, while modest, gave Grammar something to bowl at. But any hopes of a dramatic defence were quickly extinguished by a brutal opening stand from the opposition. Awan and Dhami came out with intent, punishing anything short or wide. The Grammar bowlers struggled with line and length, and the fielders were left chasing leather.
Dhami was the aggressor early on, racing to 59 off just 43 balls, including four boundaries and two towering sixes. Awan, more measured but equally effective, anchored the chase with an unbeaten 64 off 56 deliveries. The pair added 110 for the first wicket in just 14 overs, effectively sealing the game.
Javaid finally broke the stand, dismissing Dhami with a well-flighted delivery that induced a mistimed shot. But it was too little, too late. Ayaz (16* off 18) joined Awan to complete the chase in just 18.3 overs, finishing at 150 for 1.
Grammar’s bowlers toiled without reward. Prash, who had starred with the bat, bowled three overs for 24 runs. Gupta and Tanvir were expensive, conceding 35 and 46 runs respectively. The lack of penetration with the new ball and the inability to build pressure allowed the opposition to cruise to victory.
Despite the heavy defeat, Prash’s innings was a silver lining—a display of class, composure, and character. His 50, forged in adversity, and the last-wicket stand with Johnston were reminders of the fight that still burns within this Grammar side. As they regroup for the next fixture, they will look to build on that spirit and address the gaps elsewhere
Man of the Match
Prash for his batting effort, but top marks to veteran Johnston for digging in with him.
Champagne moment
Prash raising his 50.
Aberdeen Grammar Innings – 149 all out (38.3 overs)
| Batsman | Dismissal | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Keith | run out (M Ayaz) | 6 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 42.86 |
| H Mapplebeck | c & b T Malik | 8 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 38.1 |
| AM Haider* | c A Ali b T Malik | 4 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 40 |
| HM Kantharaju | c A Ali b T Malik | 7 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 77.78 |
| R Swiergon† | b F Awan | 24 | 33 | 4 | 0 | 72.73 |
| MM Tanvir | b A Chattha | 10 | 26 | 2 | 0 | 38.46 |
| H Javaid | c ? b A Chattha | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| T Navaid | b A Chattha | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| P Poosappadi | c ? b A Ayaz | 52 | 68 | 7 | 0 | 76.47 |
| AA Gupta | c A Chattha b A Ali | 15 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 115.38 |
| I Johnston | not out | 2 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 6.06 |
Extras: 20 (b 2, nb 2, w 16)
Total: 149 (38.3 overs)
Fall of wickets: 13 (Keith), 16 (Mapplebeck), 25 (Haider), 32 (Kantharaju), 64 (Swiergon), 66 (Javaid), 66 (Navaid), 71 (Tanvir), 92 (Gupta), 149 (Poosappadi)
Culter Curry Bon Accord Innings – 150/1 (18.3 overs)
| Batsman | Dismissal | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F Awan | not out | 64 | 56 | 7 | 1 | 114.29 |
| P Dhami | c Poosappadi b H Javaid | 59 | 43 | 4 | 2 | 137.21 |
| M Ayaz† | not out | 16 | 18 | 2 | 0 | 88.89 |
Extras: 11 (lb 4, nb 3, w 4)
Total: 150/1 (18.3 overs)
Fall of wicket: 110 (Dhami)
Bowling – Aberdeen Grammar
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | NB | WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P Poosappadi | 3 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| AA Gupta | 3 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| MM Tanvir | 6 | 0 | 46 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| AM Haider | 3 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| H Javaid | 3.3 | 0 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Bowling – Culter Curry Bon Accord
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | NB | WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T Malik | 8 | 2 | 33 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| N Mirza | 6 | 1 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| F Awan | 5 | 1 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| A Chattha | 8 | 1 | 35 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| A Ali | 8 | 1 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| A Ayaz | 3.3 | 1 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
Result: Culter Curry Bon Accord won by 9 wickets