Lions hunt down Pandas

 

The second game of the day, was an exciting contest between the newly formed Eastern Cyprus Cricket Club (ECCC) and Sri Lankans Lions - put together by Nalin in Spring this year.

ECCC (also known as Pandas), after winning the toss, asked Lions to bat first. Raj and the new recruit Lovepreet opened the bowling for Pandas. With a run out on the first ball, the Pandas had a dream start and soon they reduced the Lions to 10/4 in the 4th over. 
 
Lion's captain Nalin steadied the innings and took the total to 44 at the half way stage of the innings. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Nalin (42) pushed the total to 120 when He was the last man out in the 18th over to the opposing captain Steve Rush, who finished with 3 wickets.
 
Jogi and Lovepreet finished with 2 wickets apiece, while Krish and Raj had one each.
 
The game was nicely poised and both teams had a real chance of winning the game.
 
The Pandas sensed the opportunity and put the Lions on the book foot as they were provided a strong start by openers Andrew and Raj. Andrew was the first to go in the 8th over with the score at 43. Lions claimed 3 more quick wickets, including the dangerous Raj (31), as Pandas reached the halfway stage 61/4.
 
With the big hitters and captain Steve Rush, yet to come, the Pandas were in pole position, however, the Lions had other ideas, as captain Nalin introduced himself after the break and with the help of Tilak and Dilan shattered Pandas dreams, as Lions overcome the Pandas bite and won the contest by 32 runs.
 
Tilak was the star for the Lions as He finished with 4 wickets. While Nalin, Dilan, Priyantha all finished with 2 wickets apiece.
 
The result left the Pandas wondering as how they lost the game that they dominated for larger part. 
 
The game was played in good spirit and despite couple of decisions going Pandas way, Lions stalked the Pandas and hunted them down at the right moment.
MH