Chicago Rockets advances into the Div 1 finals after defending 122 runs against Knight Hawks, Sarwar Ghori once again the rescuer for the Rockets |
Rockets vs Knight Hwks game summary
Rockets and Knight Hawks faced each other on a Sunday morning for the semi-finals. Although both have previously played each other prior, there were no guarantees. Rockets won the toss and elected to bat first. The opening pair of Riyaz and Sultan Surti took the crease. However, Knight Hawks surprised the rockets with their brilliant bowling. Rockets were only 21 for 5 with already one wicket down when Riyaz was caught beautifully. With Noyam Nasir on the crease, Rockets were slow to put any runs in the board. With the departure of Sultan, Noyam and Sarwar Ghori once again took the pitch arguably as the best batting pair in DIV I. However, KH proved their depth in defense and got Noyam out. Sarwar managed to play some good strokes and accumulated boundaries, but was also dismissed for 45 runs. Knight Hawks defense crippled the Rockets as the last 6 batters only scored 17 runs together. Rockets were all out for 123.
Knight Hawks took the crease with their opening pair and both played cautiously. In the first over alone, Rockets missed a runout and catchout. Sharif Malim was brilliant with the bowl and KH batters could only put 2 runs in the first over. With the opening attack of Faizan and Sharif, the momentum was in neither sides. Knight Hawks were getting quick singles. However, Sharif got a big break as he got the first man out with an amazing catch courtesy of Imran Ajmery. Then came the arrival of Mr.Fantastic, Sarwar Ghori whose line and length bamboozled the batters. In his 6 overs, he only gave around 13 runs. At one point, KH were cruising in 15 overs with 60 runs to their total. Rockets were in trouble and then the momentum swung. Noyam got a brilliant stump and broke the partnership. In a quick succession, Riyaz and Sajid Ajmeri took brilliant catches. Noyam was brilliant behind the stumps and caught another man with Sazid Ajmeri's amazing balling. In the 22nd over, Knight Hawks needed 36 runs with 2 man left. However, Noyam got another stump and Rockets were jubiliant as they marched to Finals. Sharif, Sarwar, Sajid and Mr.Reliable(Omar Ansari) played a huge part in bowling. Props to Riyaz Ajmery for taking an amazing blinder catch. |