Sunday 1st April – Business Vs. Pudong Cricket Club

After a losing start to their D1 campaign, Business was looking forward to winning the second match of the season against Pudong Cricket Club.

Majority of the bashers assembled at cages to organize the gear, pies and beer.  However, to our surprise, the pies were apparently misdelivered, leaving Business without their necessary pre-game snack.  After Parrot inquired about his lunch (the pies), Michael from Cages came to our rescue by providing the Bashers with some tasty quesadillas.

After the snack, the captain Fruitbox told the team to make their way to the bus so that we would be on time.   While boarding the elevator, Warcry decided to place the cooler vertically and the beers went rushing out the cooler and unto the floor.  Luckily, all the beers escaped the incident unharmed and were safely returned to the cooler.

Business was set and ready to board the bus, however, we had one slight problem, where was the bus?  After looking up and down the streets for a few minutes, Fruitbox decided to wave at every bus that passed us in the streets.  Pressed for time, Fruitbox sent Benchod back to cages to find out about the whereabouts of the bus.  Not too long after Benchod left, Fruitbox in desperation, waved at the bus he saw coming down the streets, and to our surprise, it was the bus.  Business boarded the bus and as usual, participating in a pre-game drink and talk session.

With great weather conditions, the skipper won the toss and decided to have a bat (After all, having a great batting line up what could go wrong, right?). The game was also reduced to 35 overs due to the fears that the light may fade before the game could have been completed.

Benchod and Bambam were the opening pair for Business.  Both batsmen were very cautious and selective with their shots and frustrated the opposition with their patients by waiting on the bad deliveries. The opening pair played some classy shots which deserved boundaries, however, Wellington’s slow outfield on the day prevented some much needed boundaries.

The frustrated Pudong team decided to introduce their deadly spinner into the attack to give them a much needed breakthrough.  Within the first over, the spinner did what he needed to do which was to get a breakthrough.  Benchod playing cross to a straight ball was bowled and held his head down as he walked back to the tent.  Sensation, who was promoted to bat at 3, would soon regret the decision as he was also caught playing across the line quite early in his innings to earn himself the first quack of the day.

Tango and Bambam were now at the crease.  Bambam started to open up with some classy shots which resulted in some much needed boundaries.  Tango also added some much needed support, by rotating the strike and keeping the score moving along.  Bambam was eventually caught behind after trying to increase the total score.

Swiper, playing his first Business game of the season, started off with some classy drives and a solid defense.  However, this did not last too long as he caught the bait from the bowler, which caused him to also play across the line, to be bowled and sent packing back to the tent.

This dismissal brought the Skipper to the crease.  Fruitbox and Tango together rebuilt Business’s hopes for a high total with a selection of shots and great running.  Tango with his impeccable timing had the tent in awe, while the captain showed his class by executing several late cuts.  Some shouts from the tent were to the tune that Fruitbox is back and this was evident as he truly played a captain’s innings as he and Tango led the team to 102-4.  Unfortunately, all good things must come at an end as Business made 140-9 off their 35 overs.

Before we hit the field, Fruitbox decided to give the usual inspiration, as Business was seeking their season’s first win.  Bridget and Warcry started off with some excellent bowling.  The opposition was clueless as to what to do and where to go.  This was evident, as in fear, one of the batsmen ran out himself to get away from the pressure.

Rooty and Sensation came on to provide further support.  Some loose balls at each end but generally, the lines began to straighten up and added back some pressure.  Fruitbox decided to pick up the over rate and picked up the ball so as to get in the allotted overs within the time.  The change was indeed seen as runs started to dry up and wickets started to fall.  However, Pudong wrapped up the innings with 10 overs to spare due to the small total which was set.  Not much wrong was done by Business except that more runs were needed.

Overall, it was a good game and great sportsmanship was shown on both ends.  Business is looking forward to winning their next encounter, with their heavy batting line up.