A blistering century by Saghir, a hattrick by Imtiyaz, rest is detail

This is a season of one sided matches. This weekend saw two such encounters, both won by FNCC. The first was good clinical effort but the second was just a shear domination. Perhaps one thing that rescues the on-sided matches is the individual feats -- at the end of the day Cricket remains an individual games played in team formation. 

The century
Nobody deserved a century more than Saghir. We have seen Pandiyan scored one, then Rehan has collected few. But Saghir is the one from whom one expects more. Vijay is another of those guys who everyone would like to score a ton.

Saghir was having a mix of a season. Some false starts, some unlucky dismissals but there was light at the end of the tunnel we knew it, he knew it, the interesting point was who will be at the receiving end. Perhaps none expected that it would be such a bright one. After few watchful overs, Saghir dominated the bowling completely. With every shot the ball went higher up and further. In fact, each of those sixes went out of the ground. More than that, those shots just demoralized the opposition. 

Cricket is nothing if not partnerships. You can score all your runs by yourself. Saghir ran a lot with Vijay and then with Balaji. Both Vijay and Balaji while accumulating their runs (40+ and 30+, respectively), aptly supported Saghir.

Vijay's effort was completely overshadowed by Saghir's brilliance but in its own right, Vijays played a superb innings. It was a pleasure to see that shot selection and the partnership between two most equipped batsmen of FNCC.

After those spectacular batting effort, FNCC almost forgot how badly they started off. Vishv is now starting to taste what it means to open the batting. He was bowled off the first ball of the match. Rehan did not last too either. 

Finally, we invited the St. Gallen team to chase 232 in 35 overs. It was a touch more than 6 an over and we know that once the pitch settles, its not that difficult to chase such a target but it requires some really patience and intelligent batting, just big hits cannot take you there.

The hattrick
An LBW, but there was a hint of doubt that it might have nicked the bat, then a clean bowled, as if to confirm that the previous wicket was not just a  fluke and then he awaited for an over finish. And when he returned, he claimed another LBW. At our level to claim an LBW means that there was no chance for the umpire to hide. What an effort by Imtiyaz.

There have been at least two other instances previously by Rehan and Asif, and we had the third hatrick. After such bowling, the batting teams was completely tamed and they just played to the tunes set by the bowlers.

Nila capped it with a quick burst of three wickets. Before Imtiyaz and Nila, Srinath claimed a wicket on the first ball of his spell in the second consecutive match. What a day we were having.

It was almost immaterial that I had left the field after bowling just two overs, unable to stand with the shin pain. 

St. Gallen folded meekly with a deficit of more than 100 runs. 

The aftermath
There is no math needed after such performances. But as I have said earlier, we only as good as our opposition allows us to be. A good opposition will make you work for the win, and easy victory has the tendency to hide the chinks in the armour. Moreover, an easy win is only a testament that the opposition was not having a good day. 

We know that the St. Gallen are a very good side. And it will be a different game when we meet next time around.

Despite all these things, even if that weekend was a complete fluke and those two great shows by FNCC were statistical expected, FNCC still deserve all the praise to hold the statistics. 

FNCC square the score with Karlshruhe Lions

Its been nearly two weeks since we played the Karlsruhe Lions Blues (KLB) and memory is starting to cloud the proceedings. There was much anticipation of this game. First reason was that we playing at our home ground on a Saturday -- this is first time the Freiburg city granted us ground access on a Saturday (actually full weekend). Second we want to rectify the errors in our performance on our away game to KLB home ground.

We were all very positive, as Vijay and Fayas returned to the team and reinforced the batting. Also it was encouraging that we were a full XI. On the contrary the KLB were suffering from the hangover of the victory and also missing a player. As it became evident later they had some serious miscalculations about FNCC.

KLB Innings
Vijay asked KLB to bats first. We thought that they batted well because they had a target in mind in the previous game. Also they were likely to caught on their backfoot (literally) on out wicket. After our first encounter, we knew the danger men from the KLB. The first of those Ahmed opened the innings. I and Saghir started off in our typical economical style. Ahmed misjudged a ball in the third over and was bowled without attempting a shot. This was a perfect start. From that time on, KLB were really struggling and soon were in the run rate pressure. After second spell of Bala and Nila, Vijay brought on Srinath and Shrath. Srinath started off in style and took a wicket off his veru first ball. 

Then he and Sharath shared five wickets and wrecked the middle order. The KLB were really startled as neither they were keeping the wickets in check and nor scoring runs. The run rate was steady around 4 an over. Wickets tumbled regularly and in the absence of any meaningful partnership, despite pretty generous help from extras, they were hanging around 90 runs at the loss of eight wickets. 

At that point came a cameo from Shivramen (I think) who scored some sixes and tried to get the KLB to a decent score. Besides him only Waheed showed some sense and hung around a while while seeing his teammates getting out.

Eventually, the set the target of 135 in 35 overs. It was a modest target. But FNCC is always a bit wary and are as a personality trait not confident until its really done. 

FNCC Innings
Fayas and Vijay opened. And it was a treat. KLB batsmen failed to read the speed and length of the bowling earlier. But while bowling they could not find the right line length. Fayas and Vijay matched each other and clinically cut through the bowling. While the two were batting run rate hovered around 7.5. Fayas was especially pretty to watch in his flawless shot all over the off side. Vijay was brutal and efficient if not as pretty.

Once Vijay departed, FNCC were in a very safe state. But we did not want to let go. Vishav and Fayas and then Fayas and Rehan continued to dominate the bowling and more than anything broke the confidence of the fielding side completely. They were just begging that we finish the game. Eventually FNCC romped home in the 17th over and completed one of the most emphatic victory for the FNCC. 

The aftermath
The worst thing in any contest is to underestimate the counterpart. KLB did that and paid a serious price for that. We learned in the course of the match that they had planned to leave Freiburg by 1600hrs to join in some BBQ. They were of course confident to leave with a win. They had made a completely wrong impression of our team. Not a way to play cricket.

FNCC were really good on this particular day. Almost everything worked. But you are only as good as the opponent. And I think the quality of KLB on that day only suppressed the actual quality of our team effort. But these one-sided games are not worth it in any case.

FNCC would show that in the next day against St. Gallen.

Spirit of Cricket League: A new initiative for organising cricket in south Germany

Cricket has by now formed deep roots in the brains of most people from the Indian sub-continent. When these people move to mainland Europe they organize in small groups to play cricket. Some bigs cities have multiple teams and enough financial resources to maintain and run a league like setup. But usually participation in these leagues is very expensive which prevents smaller clubs from participation. Moreover, in most cases, these leagues reflect the inflated egos of those who are at the helm and often the playing experience is not great. I have written earlier about whether or not to participate in these leagues. 

Overall I felt that it was necessary to have an organised setup for cricket but the existing style of the league was not optimal for maximising cricket. In my view of a league I did not see the need for the registration membership fees, as the league was not to provide any facilities such as ground or cricket equipments or for that matter a prize money. Neither I felt the need for a central body to organize the games, because on any day it is the umpires who are entrusted with the responsibility to run the game in a smooth fashion. Now when the laws of the games are decided at the international level, there is no need for central bodies at our amateur levels to enforce those.

Based on our previous experience we (FNCC) had decided not to play in any league and waste money. But as I was arranging fixtures, Waheed Ahmed of the Cricket Lions Karlsruhe proposed to initiate a parallel league. This suggestions, reignited our previous idea of having a cricket league which is free from from centralised rules and monetary overload.

So together with Waheed, we started asking other clubs. The initial response was not that great. Possibly because most active teams were already committed to the existing leagues. However, suddenly towards the end of the season earlier this month, Cricket Lions Karlsruhe, TSG Rohrbach Stallions CC and FNCC agreed to play home and away fixtures. As such it might be considered as a three-club tournament. But the matches are distributed over several weeks and we plan to have a final. More importantly, these matches are being played within the framework of the Spirit of Cricket League. 

The main goal of the Spirit of Cricket League is to play cricket like gentlemen, without any dispute. We aspire to maintain the spirit of the game, hence the name. This is a hazy concept but we all know a large part of the spirit of the game lies in respecting the decisions of the Umpires and to respect fellow players. 

Unlike other leagues, there are no registration or membership fees. 
We think that the two playing teams should decide on the paying conditions. Standard league setup tries to enforce centralised rules for match duration etc. But we think that the two playing teams decide on the match conditions on a given day. Such subjectivity (ambiguity) regarding matches is part of the beauty of Cricket. 

By freeing the league from financial overload we think that we will attract more teams.

As the teams will grow we hope to make an executive committee involving one member from each of the teams. This committee will ensure that smooth running of the setup and will manage the schedule and scores. Perhaps in time to come we will introduce the Fair-Play award for individuals to rise above the win-loss attitude and play the game of cricket for the sake of cricket.

The experiment is underway. FNCC and CL Karlsruhe have already played their first game. Another club from Freiburg has expressed the desire to participate in this new setup. 

We hope that the SoC league will grow rapidly in the coming season and will no longer be the secondary event of the season. But for that to happen much depends on the the three teams: Cricket Lions Karlsruhe, TSG Rohrbach Stallions CC and FNCC. If they can set an example this year the idea would gain momentum. 

If you are interested in joining please leave a message. 

Cricket Lions Karlsruhe prevail over FNCC: Spirit of Cricket League gets underway

This has been a curious season. Most of the matches we have played this season have been one-sided. We lost twice to Zurich Nomads without showing any fight. But we defeated Pak Freiburg, Winterthur, Ravensberg, Uster in one-sided matches. Not that I dont like stamping authority over other teams but close matches have their  own charm and nothing beats they way adrenaline flows in such tight situations. Last Sunday our away game quite close to becoming a close match. Despite the loss FNCC showed that they can fight.

It was the first game of the new experiment in the organisation of cricket in South of Germany. 

FNCC visited Karlsruhe. As has been the norm for this season that we lose one key player just before the match. This time Vijay could not travel with us and we were left with 10 players. With incomplete team, unknown playing conditions and a rather fast bouncy pitch, it was clearly going to a big struggle for the FNCC. 

FNCC Innings

Saghir who was standing in for Vijay wanted to bowl first, considering that we were a better side while bowling. But he lost the toss and CLK invited us to bat first. Vishv and Rehan started off well. Vishav was especially looking good. Rehan was starting to get to grips of the game but was apparently give out caught behind, wrongly, by me. But I was convinced that he had edged the ball.

That brought in Balaji, who was in superb form with a 50+ score in the previous game. But he was finding it difficult to read the bounce. But the runs were coming the form of extras, so there was not much concern. Despite a scratchy batting from Balaji (who eventually scored 31), Vishv kept is cool and steadily kept the score ticking. Vishv finally got out after scoring 28 runs in the 16 over. But that started the typical FNCC collapse. Saghir who was starting to look dangerous, was out caught when a ball took the leading edge. After that it was as if FNCC players just did not know how to bat. 

CLK's slow bowlers were suddenly appearing top-class spinners and a pitch, highly suited for batting was turned into a spinners' paradise. Soon the score was 129 for 8, it was around 65 for 2 after 16th over. Sharath and I joined at the wicket with seven overs to go. We just wanted to play all the overs. Things worked out in our favor and we added 40+ runs in seven overs. We ended our innings with 175 for 9. I scored 32 runs, which surprised me most of all. But the ball was coming on the bat well. A lot of credit of that partnership goes to Saghir who was umpiring and kept motivating us. During this partnership Sharath got his hand injured as he dived to make home for a single that was not needed. 


CLK Innings

176 in 35 overs was not a big total on that wicket but we were more confident. Saghir and I started off our defence in positive manner. While I was economical Saghir was devastating. He too two wickets in his first over. CLK was on the back foot. Nila came in for the 7th over and quickly claimed one. But from then on Ahmed and Omar slowly took the game away from us. 

FNCC bowlers could have done better but Ahmed steered the batting really wisely. He was defensive on the first and second balls, attacking on the 3rd and 4th but then was looking for a single on the last two. This way he not only protected his partner, but kept the score going. In between there were few economical overs but the asking rate was too low to climb to an alarming level.

This partnership was broken around 23rd over. Ahmed had a rush of blood and he hit me for a six on midwicket. We exchanged looks. And he could not keep from the temptation of hitting me again, Nila took a nice catch. One more wicket fell in that over and Omar was dropped by Imtiyaz. We saw there was a chance. But again besides, Saghir there was no venom in the bowling. Imtiyaj, Bala, Balaji, Nila, Shrath, all tried hard. Saghir even gambled with Rehan. But all were good in patches and consistency was lacking. 

Saghir had the challenge of keep the two us bowl in small spell while hoping that there will enough left at the end. But the 6th and 7th wickets took too long to fall. In the end they needed two runs in the second last over with three wickets remaining. 

The aftermath
We lost, but we fought. I think it was really important to see if FNCC can put up a fight. It was a very good show by a team of 10 players. 

I hope that our bowlers got a good lesson. Later everyone of us thought we were another 20 runs short. Perhaps thats too wishful. On that pitch we should have scored at least 250, given that we had 52 runs in extra. Batsmen need to take up more responsibility. They need to be aware of the match situation.

Saghir led from the front. He was unlucky with the bat but with ball he was just perfect. I should have done better. With such a score, being economical is not an option (I bowled 7 overs for 14 runs). My 3 wickets came a bit too late. Vishv and Balaji contributed with bat. But we need more from other players. In batting, Bala, Rehan (who was unlucky), Imtiyaz and in bowling Nila and Sharath have to step up their game. Finally, playing with 10 players is never an option, so even those who did not make themselves available should feel responsible for our loss. 

Despite the loss we enjoyed the game. The hosts were quite good. I wish that they had given us an extra fielder but then it was not their fault that we showed up one short. Also I think teams should refrain from discussing umpires' decisions. 

The new initiative is on its way with a near perfect start. Lets see how it proceeds. Tomorrow we take on the CLK for a return fixture. I am sure it will be a more intersting match -- if the rain gods decide not to come to the ground.

FNCC vs Ravensburg: FNCC just managed to win

Cricket brings us to places where we will not go otherwise -- even if it is the nice green and picturesuq neighborhood of lake Konstanz. Last Sunday we travelled to a village called Baindt. There were some hiccups in our travel plan. Even though all players were ready to leave Freiburg at 0600hrs (amazing that all were there) but some expected circumstances meant that we left only at 0830 hrs. The 170+Km journey was a very nice as we went through the black forest. We were surprised to see the playing area. Most of the ground and the pitch was set on the rubber surface that is often used for running. The outfield on two sides was natural green, on one side it was the sand pit used for jumping events and the area behind the wicket keeper was essentially a wall. But it is only the game of cricket which because of its amazing flexibility and scalability that we could play without much compromise to the laws of the game and the quality of play. In fact it was a rather tight game. 

On Sunday morning we realized that Saghir would not be able to make it to the match. Fayas was already unavailable. We summoned Kami to bring one of his mates and somehow we managed to have an XI. With Saghir missing our batting was seriously depleted. His absence was to affect the bowling as well but to a lesser extent.

FNCC Innings
We were invited to bat first on an expectedly bouncy track. Following the tradition of this season we introduced a new opening partnership -- something nobody ever expected. Usually I bat at no. 11 and if possible later than that. But that day I convinced Rehan to give me a chance. We started off well, duly assisted by the extras. In the third over Rehan became aggressive to unsettle the bowler but he could not maintain the tempo and tossed a catch at mid-off -- it was not his lucky day. Vishv joined me. Bowling also got pumped with that wicket. Vishv showed a great character and played very balanced innings. Together we were watchful against Khan and Rehan and aggressive on others. Vishv got out in the 10 over -- undone by a classic delivery of a left-hand bowler. I soon followed in the 12th over -- mostly undone by my indiscipline which actually makes the no. XI batsman. But I was happy that scored 20+ runs. That time we were cruising along at six an over. It was good but it certainly could have been better.

Adnan took the responsibility and played a very nice innings, great mix of timing and shear power. Actually real power was shown by Bala -- one ball he seemed to just defend and that landed on the cover boundary. Angelo was unfortunate. But the debutant pair of Imtiyaz and Kami had their cameos and we ended up with a decent score of 180 runs. 

The bowling was rather inexperienced, those kids were sort of medium pacers, except for Khan and Rehan who bowled beautifully. Both Khan and Rehan were very economical. But Ravensberg tried to make up for their lack of experience in terms of their fielding -- it was very difficult to field in that awkward shaped ground and heat.

FNCC and Ravensberg teams after the match at Baindt

Ravensberg Innings
We started of with yet another opening attack. This time Nila opened the attack with me. We both were economical but not very effective in terms of taking wickets. In the second spell we tried to cash in on the effects of our economical spell. Sharat, Kami and Imtiyaz all tied up the runs and in the process took three wickets among them and another one was tun out. With 32 on the board and four wickets down in 10 overs, FNCC were sniffing an early return to home. One of these wickets was an amazing catch by Kami off the bowling of Imtiyaz.

Perhaps we became complacent, or the heat and lack of sleep last night and drinking water in the filed were the reasons, either way Khan who was the main force in the bowling, started to smack the bowling. He was also helped by the slow bowling, which he was able to pick. But he got most of the help from our fielder, we just could not hold any catch for almost 10 overs and dropped more than five catches of Khan alone. 

Between 11th and 21 over we took only one more wicket and gave away nearly 80 runs. This was kind of triggered by one over of Sharat in which he conceded 21 runs. Of course we were getting frustrated but in the back of our thinking it was clear that Khan would not last and once that happens we will wind it up in few deliveries. Our frustration was also developing because umpiring was rather poor -- in one instance a thick outside edge to the wicket keeper was not given out. 

Thats when Nila brought the breakthrough. Khan was judged LBW. Khan complained that it was bat-pad -- he had an injury to show for that -- but we all know how fragile is our brain in deciding order of events separated by few milliseconds. It could easily have been pad-bat. Then after much noise from the batting side, sense prevailed and Khan left. 

After that there was little resistance but nothing substantial. Suddenly we also started to hold catches. Eventually, Ravensberg teams folded 24 runs short of the target with two overs to go.

The after match
FNCC secured a victory they they thought was theirs to begin with. But it is not really that clear. Ravensberg team gave a great fight, especially, it was a great effort from them in batting. But FNCC have no one else but themselves to blame to insert a defeat in the jaws of victory.

A lot to think and ponder. Conditions cannot be blamed. Ground shape or heat as a good team we should be prepared. We showed great resilience in our batting -- Vishv was great. With Kami and Imtiyz (who can bat in the middle order) we have more depth in our batting. It also very nice to see Adnan taking up the responsibility in the middle overs. 

In the bowling, Sharath must have learned a much needed lesson. He bowled beautifully except for one over and in the end that could have been the difference in the match. I was below average in my bowling -- I need to work on my shins. But Imtiyaz and Kami bring in more diversity and options in the bowling. If we start to hold the catches I think we can do really well. 

But the biggest surprises of the day were (1) that I opened the innings and (2) more than that I scored some runs. It was funny that when this was told to those who know me and were not with us in the ground -- they just could not believe it at all. But this is certainly a false dawn and I should not think much of me as a batsman.

But all in all as Rehan summarised it really well, with our performance on Sunday last, we did not deserve to win. Hopefully, when Ravenberg visit us tomorrow we can show them how good a side we are. With the return on Vijay, Raghu and Saghir we have a much stronger side available tomorrow.

Yousaf brothers' show: FNCC beat Zug CC

After the massive defeat against Zurich Nomads FNCC were very determined to right the wrong and give Rehan a much deserved win as a captain. Because of the cancellation on 25th May we got a full day of intense training. The match got delayed and in fact there was a fear that the ground was double booked but the end we started the game at 1200hrs. 

FNCC InningsRehan opened the innings with Fayas. It was the third opening pair we were trying this season in as many games. But they gave us a great start. The run rate was steady 5+ and both batsmen were freely playing there shots. Fayas was especially spectacular after getting a life in the first over. Rehan was riding on his luck. Once again the slow bowlers, especially Saman, started to turn things and between 10th and 15th over both Fayas, Vishv and Saghir got out and there was a little hiccup in our progress. 

That brought Adnan to the wicket. A typical FNCC style middle order collapse seemed imminent when Adnan looked to get in to his ultra defensive mode. But this was not to happen on that day. As Adnan found his feet and Rehan continued to get the dropped by Zug CC a much needed partnership developed. Adnan for the the first showed what he maybe capable of. Both brother slowly accelerated the run rate. When Adnan returned after scoring a marvellous 41 (or 43) we were all set to set a big target. Bala again failed to get going but Angelo was there to see that we do not squander the advantage. 

Last time we played Zug CC in 2013, Rehan missed out his century by nine runs. This time Zug CC were all set to reward him with one. As far as my count goes he was dropped at least seven times. Roshan from Zug CC told me it was more than nine times. In any case it was still Rehan who had to stay in keep scoring those runs and irrespective of the dropped catches he deserved that century. Congratulations Rehan !! And he carried his bat...

Finally we set a target of 226 in 30 overs. A very difficult target on any day on our pitch. 

Zug CC Innings
With such a score under the belt, were very confident. Like our opening batting we tried the thirs opening attack. This time it was Balaji. But he could not hold his nerves and wasted an opportunity. We got our first breakthrough in the third over. It could have been two in that over but Saghir failed to hold on to a catch but it was a horrible low full toss and the delivery did not deserve a wicket anyhow. But after that Roshan and Lakmal set their eyes in and aptly countered out second line of attack. While they did not lose their wicket, the required run rate kept climbing.  Saghir, Nila, Sharath were shuffled quickly in search of a wicket. But real breakthrough started to come when Rehan brought in himself and Adnan. 

Again both brothers exploited the conditions well. Our wicket as we are discovering really suits smart slow bowling, especially when batsmen are under pressure to score. Adnan and Rehan claimed three wickets between themselves and essentially broke the middle order of Zug CC. Rehan was a bit expensive but Adnan was there to keep the score in check, moreover, with a required run rate in excess of 8 an over we could afford few expensive over. 

After Lakmal and Roshan there was essentially no one in Zug CC to provide them stability and score both at the same time. So our all our bowlers took wickets. Sharat was unlucky to miss out on this time but he bowled really well.

The After Math
It was a show of the two Yousaf brothers. Rehan scored a century and took a wicket and led us from the front to secure his first win as a stand in captain. His younger brother, Adnan played an even better innings and bowled even better to wreck the Zug middle order. It was a great sight to see these two in the middle winning it for the FNCC.

We won by more than 90 runs. We had defeated Zug last year with similar margin. We were especially happy with the way Fayas and Adnan batted. It was a bit worrisome to see Saghir fall without much on the board. But we know that he is a quality player and knows his mistakes. In bowling department, we need to use the pace attack more creatively. The ball gets old rather quick on our wicket, so I think we should use that time for pace and then switch to slow bowling. 

A very important thing to keep in mind is that the Zug team we played was a very much depleted of its important players, who could not come to Germany to play. With them in the team they would have been a very competitive side. Even with this team if they had held the catches we could have been in trouble. So we should keep our feet on the ground and realize that there is still along way to go between our potential and performance. A massive win like this should not obscure our own reality. The return game agains ZUg would be a different affair.

Zurich Nomads crushed Freiburg Nomads

Cricket return to the seapark Freiburg ground after long slumber of nine months. FNCC hosted Zurich nomads.  We had started of our season with a massive win and things were looking good with the team except that in this match we were a seriously depleted side. Our heroes of last match Vijay, Raghu were away. Angelo was not available due to a family tragedy, Saghir was half-fit and so on... With that we took on the strong ZN team. Despite a good start and we let the opportunities slip away and slumped to a massive loss by 90+ runs. Congratulations to Zurich Nomads. It 2-0 to ZN in last two seasons. 

Zurich Nomads Innings
With Saghir not fully fit, Rehan opened the bowling with me and Sharath. ZNs started very positively. The very second ball was pasted to the boundary. But still it was an economical first spell. Sharath started with an LBW. Balaji took a stunning catch in point region to break the second wicket partnership. Soon after Adnan topped it up with an even better catch at the covers to send back Fahim, one of the top batsmen of ZN. In between one more wicket fell and suddenly ZN were 29 runs for three wickets in 8 overs. Saghir, Nila and Sharat had claimed one wicket each.

This was the time when Vicky and Shafqat came together. They started very cautiously but were very stead and saw their team to reach 52 runs in 14 overs with any further damage. And from that point wit their eyes set they took the game far away from us. With every over they accelerated the run rate. In between Shafqat was dropped by Adnan -- it was a sitter. Except for that one flaw it was a chance less innings and completely rattled our planning. Rehan, quickly shuffled bowlers in a vain hope to find the right one who could either break the partnership or at least stop the runs. We did perhaps a touch delay in setting up a more defensive field but we have to admit that against that batting our bowling was inadequate on that day.

Shafqat took advantage of the dropped catch and scored a 100 and retired gracefully. It was a fantastic innings. Vicky who is a more accomplished batsman was playing the second fiddle to Shafqat but score a well deserved and dominating 50. He was dropped on the ropes by Srinath, except that it was also a flawless innings.

The batting that followed was pretty ordinary but the damage had already been done. They lost few more wickets but put up a score of 235 runs in 35 overs. This, if we consider the fact that they were at one point 52 in 14 overs, shows how Vicky and Shafqat built their innings and pretty much demoralised the fielding side.

FNCC Innings
It was a very big target but FNCC have shown that they have the ability to chase such total or at least put up a fight. But this time around it was a bit of a different story. Our star batsmen from the previous game, Vijay, Raghu and Angelo were not available for the game. Rehan was out of practice and Saghir unfit. Remaining batting line was a bit inexperienced.

Still we started off very well. Rahul hit a six already in the first over. But such blitz do not last long especially when they start in the very first over. Rehan was joined by Fayas. Rehan was looking good. Fayas for the first time showed his potential as a sheet anchor. But wickets fell around in rather regularly and in most cases due to the mistakes of the batsmen. Nischal looked goo in short stay but he needs some more experience at the top. Saghir was great but he was under tremendous pressure to raise the asking rate which was up to 8+ an over by time he arrived at the crease. Exactly at the point he was looking to bring us back in the game, he was out and with FNCCs hopes. 

Fayas hung around until quite late but it was mere a formality. FNCC batsmen struggle to play the slow deceiving spin of Shafqat and Dinesh. Strangely enough they were better against the pacers. However, I would say that we did rather well by scoring 149 runs in about 30 overs, given our current state.

The causes
Our bowling failed. Except for Sharath no one responded well to the situation. Once I realised the correlation between my bowling quality and our overall bowling performance. To some extent we can blame the balls which deteriorated rather fast and we got basically no skidding from the pitch. But more importantly we did not respond to the pressure that a good partnership brings. ZN gave a us a good lesson. Our pace bowlers were a touch too slow for the batsmen to time and drive. On the other hand we dont have good reliable slow bowlers. Rehan's part time bowling cannot be effective if its called in action once in a season. Adnan on the other hand should have been better...

Second reason for conceding so many runs is that we took a bit long to realise the scoring areas. Shafqat scored a century but most of his runs came off due to cross bat shots -- which was possible because there was no movement, pace and bounce in the pitch.

While we took took two stunning catches we dropped two sitters and both batsmen duely punished us for those mistakes. The fact that at one time ZN were 29/3 was not because of the quality of our bowling but it was a testament of our fielding. Still after that we got carried away and lost it.

Out batting was a bit too one dimensional. Except for Saghir not one showed the ability to step out and whack a couple to the spinner to break their rhythm and confidence. Fayas, although played the role of a sheet anchor, he can be blamed for keeping the batting slow. After his eyes set, he was expected to accelerate -- I think this where we lacked a crucial step in match planning. Same for other batsmen -- I think we have the ability to put up a good fight even while chasing such huger target but it was not our day -- perhaps demoralised bowling also demoralise the batting...

The aftermath
The defeat was a shock, especially after our performance against PFCC. As is the FNCC  tradition, this called for a serious brainstorming right after the match. Rehan was especially heartbroken. Indeed he should -- he usually get to stand in for Vijay and often times he ends up as the losing captain -- not because of his fault but because of weaker teams he get to lead. But I the correlation was bothering him a bit too much. Its not a good sign to see your leader getting desperate. 

The positives
There were several positives from the game, Fayas showed that he can hang around fro long, Vishv emerged as a wicket-keeper, our fielding except for two lapses was top class, NIschal showed his potential and in Sharath we have a very effective medium pacer. 

Fail better
Somebody recently told me that victory is a moment and the loss stays with you forever -- how correct and how essential that memory of a loss remains so as to remind us of avoiding the mistakes that brought the emotional trauma of losing. I think we hate to lose because we do not want to witness or even admit our weaknesses. But we should embrace it and use the opportunity to improve. As Samuel Beckett once wrote

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better

I think FNCC has now 'failed better' and its time to show what Samuel Beckett meant through these words. Indeed a number of good things came after discussion and hope that FNCC will be on the right path and gift Rehan a much deserved victory in the next game which again a home affair.


right arm over
Arvind

FNCC start the season with a convincing win over Pak Freiburg

After two practice sessions we were having a good feeling about the team. Few new faces joined and showed the right kind of hope to fill in for those nomads who have left FNCC since the last season. All we needed was a match to bind the team and but also to test the fitness of the older folks and match temperament of the new ones. Then came an invite from the Pak Freiburg Cricket Club (PFCC) to use the Thursday holiday of May 1 and play a game at their ground. It was a very kind gesture and despite the wet forecast everyone was looking forward to start Cricket which was abruptly cut short last season by the Swiss Cricket League. 

FNCC batted first
Vijay and I agreed that it would be better to bat first in those wet conditions. We wanted to exploit the fact that wet outfield would make it difficult to bowl. Also we were more confident of the bowling - as usual -- but later we discovered how wrong we were. I dont know if Vijay won the toss or not but we batted first. 

In the absence of Rehan, his younger brother Adnan opened with Vijay. Adnan started in the most positive way I have seen him. From the first ball that he middled he looked full of confidence. The low bounce and lack of speed and swing meant that batting looked easier but the wet and slow outfield meant batsmen were not getting value for their shots. In such situations it is easier to get frustrated and hit out in the air. But Vijay and Adnan kept their head steady and gave us a solid foundation. Adnan had a dropped catch but it was a very powerful blow and not everyone can hold that. 

After Adnan, came in Ragu to start his tenure with FNCC. He looked good in practice so he was asked to bat at number three. He made one of the most emphatic debuts for the FNCC in my memory. The first shot he played was a boundary in point region, I as an umpire was supposed to signal that, but instead I was clapping. Since that shot Ragu was impeccable. His shot selection and execution was just great given the conditions. He hit Mansoor, a high quality bowler, for three fours in an over. 

Vijay grew in confidence, given the way Adnan and Raghu batted. At time he even a secondary role but with he dominated the bowling all the way. If he can bat that well while nursing his tennis elbow I am wonder what he will do when his hand is fit. In any case Raghu and Vijay played with great mastery and brought their 100+ runs partnership. Both of them completed their well deserved half centuries. 

Saghir started where he had left. But rain interrupted the match and as we entered the filed PFCC gave their verdict that the match would be reduced to 30 overs instead of 35. We complied. But that meant that Saghir and Angelo had to rush through the remaining two over. At one point we were looking for 250+ score in 30 overs. We were restricted to 212 in 30 overs. A really good score. At that time we thought it was a fighting total given the short boundaries and PFCC batting style (cross bat slogs). 

PFCC suffered for the lack of pace in the first spell. And then they lost one of their best slow bowler -- Mohsin -- who had to leave the field because of an injured finger. Indeed with heavy ball and wet outfield slow bowling could have made a big difference. So luck somehow favoured FNCC.

PFCC innings
213 was an imposing target. We were hoping to cut the runs in the start and raise the asking rate. Both Saghir and I started with very a tight opening spell. Rizwan and Fovad were very watchful. We could have got a wicket in the first over -- but it did not hurt us much. Rizwan did not add much to his total before getting run out. In between in the fifth over we got our first breakthrough -- Fovad was beaten by the swing -- it was clearly a big wicket. 

The batsman who came in hit a powerful shot which landed the ball on sharp metal the ball was cut and unsuitable for bowling. So we were lucky to start with a new and dry ball again in 6th over. Vijay brought in Saghir. In that over Rizwan got run out. And I took Mansoor of the first ball in my next. Mansoor and Fovad both had the ability to change the course of the match but by the 7th over they were back but less than 20 one the board. We were feeling secure but you can never trust when a random player can come in and change the course of the game. So there was indeed a little bit of scare in our thinking. 

But fortunately for us, PFCC batsmen did not really play according to the situation and either were too defensive (e.g. Rizwan/Zeb) or too attacking (rest of them). From the 10th over onwards we conceded in an access of seven an over. The rash attitude of the PFCC batting and some excellent catching and perfect field placement meant that we kept getting wickets at regular interval. Every bowler who bowled got a wicket.

Moshin returned very bravely in a hope to repeat his heroics from the previous game. But by the time he came in to bat the match was far away from their grip and he was severely limited because his injury. After his departure, FNCC were clearly getting complacent. The number nine batsmen was named Bhatti. He had one of the most unusual of the stances. There was no way the bowler could see the wickets. There was no danger of getting LBW, for obvious reasons. But in his defence, despite all the wrong stance and cross bat shots the ball never really hit his pads. For three over he entertained everyone. Of course his entertainment was at the cost of ruining the bowling figures of few bowlers including mine. And that's why I was so expressive to catch him. 

We thought it was all over but the last pair had other plans. They to my thinking, played the best from the PFCC. There was no expectations from them so they did not play any rash shot and just continued to block. This was fine by us but the accumulating clouds were making everyone in FNCC nervous. Finally, after torturing us for nearly six over, Adnan got the final wickets -- it was very fitting that Adnan closed the game as he started it in the morning. 

We won but...
For FNCC it was very satisfying to start the season with a massive victory. The new guys Ragu, Sharath and Nischal played important role with their batting, bowling+fielding and fielding. Raghu was just brilliant. Sharath can become our second change bowler. And without doubt he is a very sharp fielder. NIschal did not get a chance to bat but with his fielding he saved many runs on the square leg boundary and took a much needed and brilliant catch. With these new guys FNCC looks stronger than ever. Welcome to FNCC, Raghu, Sharath and Nischal.

The victory margin of about 90 runs says that we dominated the match. But if you were in the field you would have known that it was not really true. It was an equal reflection of the quality of PFCC batting. As I said earlier from 10th over onwards we conceded too many runs. We desperately need a wicketkeeper.

Even more worrisome was the form of Rahul and Nila. We were trusting them a lot. Nila was not even a shadow of himself and failed to bowl a single legal delivery. So to start we lost an important bowler. Rahul was very erratic. So was Adnan. Both these bowlers never forgot to top up their good deliveries with generous wides. The way mine and Saghir's over were scattered all through the innings says a lot about the quality of our second line of attack. 

This time we escaped because our batting was so superb and even without needing support from Fayas and Rehan we scored so much. There is no doubt that bowlers have to raise their game and match it with the effort of the batsmen. We have the talent but we have reduce the distance between the potential and performance. 

But all in all with the kind of start we have got and kind of new players we have, I am very eagerly looking forward to the season, which might well turn out to be my last with FNCC.

A big thank to PFCC, especially to Zeb Bhai, Mohsin and Mansoor to give us this opportunity to play the game and host us so graciously. The food was great. I hope we will have more such friendly interactions in the future.

Go nomads 
खुल कर खेलो : Play with no bounds but those imposed only by the game of cricket.


right arm over
Arvind

Amateur Cricket Leagues: To join or not

In last few years another serious question has become a key part of the season planning -- whether we want to play in a league or not. League fixtures often are a sore experience given the unprofessional attitude of the players and league leadership in view of the exaggerated competitiveness of the matches. Together with this, the financial burden (usually 300-400 Euros) more than often discourages young students from joining clubs. So most teams in big cities reach a state of stagnancy and teams in smaller city remain deprived of the new talent so necessary for them to remain competitive. All in all it seems that the amateur cricket leagues they way they are run currently, are not really doing any good for the development of cricket at the club level in the south Germany. 

After a long slumber, FNCC is slowly waking up. For a small club like ours based in a small (but really beautiful) town like Freiburg, every season brings predictable challenges. For instance, every season starts with the news of player who had already left or will leave Freiburg soon. Sadly it has never happened the other way that there is a list of new players who are lining up. We usually rely on hope to get the season going. Other challenges are more manageable such as raising money for equipments, buying equipments, securing the ground contract and getting the practice going. 

In last few years another serious question has become a key part of the season planning -- whether we want to play in a league or not. 

In 2010 an amateur cricket league was floated in the state of Baden-Wuertumberg. It was supported by the German Cricket Board. There was a lot of excitement about it, perhaps being a new thing or because we were hoping for more organized and competitive games.

That season FNCC did not do too well. Still we bounced back after a disastrous start and ended up on the Vth place. In the T20 league we lost in the semifinal. We were for sure better than that. 

But we decided not to participate in the league in 2011. It was decision taken based on the way the league was being organized. First, in the name of competitiveness most teams were very hostile to each other. There was no mutual respect and winning was the sole aim as if their life depended on that. Combine this with the complete unprofessional attitude of the league leadership and untrained and unqualified umpires. Overall we thought that we play cricket more for the fun of it and love for the game and winning/losing is something that is just a part of the game. Essentially FNCC players wanted to leave the ground with a good feeling not filled with animosity towards the opposition.

Once we sat down and did the math, we found that we paid some 200+Euros to get 8/9 fixtures and in return we also lost the peace of mind that comes with playing cricket. So we decided to step out of the league. 

In 2011 we went solo and arranged out fixtures as we did without the league setup. We travelled a bit too much and played in total 12 games and lost just once. Perhaps the best season for the FNCC. It was a lot of fun and everyone enjoyed their cricket. So we decided to continue with the same experiment in the 2012 season.

This time around it was a bit sore experience. This was primarily because we could not arrange many fixtures. We had a great season going by cricket, but we mainly played Basel CC (multiple times -- in process forging a great relationship with them).

We noticed that most of the teams in our neighborhood in Germany and Switzerland were part of their respective league. Typically the league schedule is full and there is little space to have the so called friendly fixtures. This awareness was very disappointing and depressing. There was only one way out of this. 

But we were sure that the leadership of the Baden-Wuertemberg leagues was practically the same with different faces and therefore that league was not an option. So we decided to go with our friends in Basel and participated in the Swiss League, which we later learned was one of the two leagues currently in a legal battle over their claims to be 'the swiss cricket league'.

It started out to be a good experience, although a bit expensive in terms of money. However, the way we were treated in the semi-final of the league has completely destroyed our faith in these cricket leagues runs by amateurs and people with vested interests which most of the times lie way outside the cricket field. 

So we are back in the state to decide whether to go solo or become part of the sham some people consider a league. 

I do not want to appear a capitalistic person here. But if we do the math we find out that the participation in any league costs something in the range of 300 Euros and costs for 'Neutral Umpires' which in my view usually are the most undesirable players of their teams. In addition we have buy the so called league balls. So all in all we get to pay something in the range of 600 Euros. The 'other' swiss leagues costs go as far as 800 euros. 

In return what do we get? Guaranteed fixtures in the range of 6-10 matches depending on number of teams and how far we proceed in the league. There is not real prize money for the clubs who win or reach to the semifinals. Clubs like ours are always strapped for money and increasing membership fees only dissuades new players from joining. Moreover, many players just do not turn up because they find the hostility that comes in the name of competitiveness very very discouraging. So I wonder how do these leagues help the development of the game and teams. 

More important I wonder where does the league membership money go? It is certainly not spent in terms of subsidising the club expenses or any other facilities -- at least FNCC has yet to enjoy the benefit of this membership fees. 

Typically the leagues are run by people who are not there for the development of cricket but to exert their authority and in most cases completely unjust authority. Players who play in these leagues try to use cricket a way to boost their ego and if they are being hampered by others in reaching this goal, either by better play or by the laws of the games, the do not stop from breaching the whole essence of cricket. 

By contrast, the non-league based matches are far more fun. People act like guests and hosts as opposed to two teams with sole goal to defeat the other team. In most cases irrespective of the result of the game, players from the opposition sit together share a drink and discuss the game. The short talks which often mature into long terms friendships. 

With the financial burden (membership fees are raised from the players) and unfriendly nature of matches in many ways discourages new players to come in the fold. This leaves teams in big cities stagnant because people do not move so much, and are in a position to bear the financial costs. In the smaller cities there are more consequences -- if new players cannot afford to play then the cricket is greatly reduced in the places as teams in smaller cities are usually composed of students who come to the University for a short duration (one or two seasons).

So I wonder how these amateur cricket leagues are run and more importantly the higher organizations like German Cricket Board and Swiss Cricket Board must review their policies to better run the club cricket. What is important is that there is space for teams who do not want to play in any leagues to find fixtures. That is, the league schedule should have enough free days to accommodate friendly games. Second, it would help if the leagues fees could be reduced if not completely removed and teams are informed how the money is being used.

More suggestions are of course welcome.

The conundrums will continue throughout the season but I am positive that we will find a way to maximize the Cricket and Fun factors, despite the increasing complexity of the problem.

right arm over
Arvind