Taipei’s Indian Cricket Club (ICCT) sit atop the points table of the Chinese Taipei Cricket Association’s four-team tournament after the first day of play in Kaohsiung yesterday.
They beat both other teams in action, the IndoPak combined team and the Formosa Cricket Club (FCC).
Their victory over FCC was founded upon innovative stroke-play from Vinit Shah, who was inspired by the lap shots usually seen only in the Indian Premier League. His 30 runs ensured a fighting total of 113 was safely overhauled.
The target was set up by two batters returning to form for FCC. Craig Mitchell peppered cow corner to score 32 while captain Ric McGrail favored the off side, hitting 33, but a consistent bowling effort led by Hitul Jogani (2/12) ensured the FCC batsmen never really got set to score the 20-odd extra runs that might have won the match.
In the first match of the day, FCC downed the IndoPak side, with 30 from Danish Batnagar only bettered by Salim Indiradevi’s 23, including a massive straight six and three wickets. FCC’s 111 was more than enough as Salim’s miserly spell saw only seven runs. Twenty late runs from the bat of Muthu Raam were nowhere near enough.
ICCT also had no problems with the IndoPak side, bowling them out for just 76 (Hiren Wagela 3/9). Captain Ali Chang was the top scorer, with 18.
In reply, Anant Patel smacked an even 50 and wrapped up the match with six overs to spare.
Today, Taipei’s Pakistan Cricket Club arrive and their three matches will decide who takes home the trophy.
Points Table: ICCT 6(2), FCC 4(2), IndoPak 2(2), PCCT 0(0).
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