Final Year Enigma Premier League - Last but not the least..
Start from the word EPL. We thought this could be another chance of playing together and enjoy the last event. Auctions of players had gone well. Everything set for a good start.
First Match vs Kovai Trojans:
We had a decent practice session before the start of EPL, but this first match was a huge set back for us. We lost it. Too many extras, some poor bowling and not to mention we were a bit over confident. A Couple of good performances from the opponent team and poor batting show from our side let the game go. We assessed ourselves what went wrong and what needed to be done. It's an early wake-up call for us.
They scored 83 runs and we scored just 40+. It's a bad loss.
I advised team mates not to think of anything too early, We can learn our mistakes and bounce back.
Second Match vs Chennai Bisons:
A fresh beginning, a new day and we were so cautioned about our play from this match onwards. I advised the team to stay positive, forget the early match, let's have a good start from here on. It's a 7 am match, nobody was hungry ( but yes we are hungry for a win)
We won the toss and elected to field (as we mostly do), sticking to our bowling power. We bundled out the opponent for 43 runs. Good performance from Prabu, Myself, and Sudhan (thakkali) getting a hat trick.
The second innings went well. Opener Arun Pandy and Mashoodh finished the game in 5 overs or so. Much needed win to bring back some positives from the players.
Arun pandy won the Man of the Match for his good show with the ball and the bat.
Third Match vs Vellore Vernelz:
This match is very important in terms of boosting our confidence. We know winning this match could give us a psychological momentum to be back in the tournament and Vellore is certainly a good competitive team to play.
Again won the toss and chosen to bowl first.(We changed the side of playing pitch because of some issues on the regular side). Prabu gave us a good start by picking up the important wicket. It really was a good day for me with the ball as I took 5 wickets and Vellore bundled out for 42 runs.
Vignesh and Karthik opened the batting, bit of a slow start for us. But soon we caught the run rate as Vignesh hit a six and four in back to back succession and Karthik also given a fine knock to help us won the match in 5 overs.
I(Sam) won the Man of the Match for picking up 5 wickets.
Fourth Match vs Surat Smashers:
Back to back win gave us a lot of confidence and for this particular match suddenly a thought from somewhere gave us that we could try to win this match with a larger margin...And what happened was.....
Once again a morning match, we won the toss and I chose to bat first. Just wanted to score some runs and try to bundle out the opponent with a low score. I thought this match could give some positives to the team , I sent Deepak and Mohandoss to open the batting. Mohandoss out cheaply but Deepak had a thunderous day.He scored 76 runs and I scored some 20 runs or so. Arun pandy also got some helpful runs at the death. Finally, we scored 135 runs off 10 overs (With some extras included). But also we know that it's not the toughest of opponents to play. Nevertheless, it's been a hunting match for some for sure. (One of our team owners Agilesh wanted us to score 150+ runs, to know more on that pls contact him. :D)
After scoring a huge score, I thought it's the perfect time to give chances to players who haven't bowled yet. Vadivel, Yogeshwar, Sudhan, Pandy, Vignesh, Prabu, they've thoroughly enjoyed the play in the middle. Vadivel picked up a couple of wickets and Yogeshwar the silent killer, Picked up a wicket in his over too. We won the match by 95 runs. Yup. A margin which could really increase our run rate as well as players momentum.
Deepak won the Man of the Match for his 76 runs with the bat.
The Fifth match vs ODC had been called off as they had some issues with their players. So they have walked off giving us a win:
I couldn't believe that we could actually top the table. It happened because of Chennai Bisons who won a nail biting super over match against Kovai.
Semi Final Vs Chennai Bisons:
Coming to knock matches. Well, I have to say our winning percentage in knock outs are always high.
Mostly in important matches like this, we stick to our bowling strength first. We won the toss and elected to bowl.
We had a decent start to the match, all my bowlers bowled well on that day. Sudhan, Prabu, Pandy, Mohandoss. We have given away some extras and at the end, they have scored 51 runs in 10 overs. Well, Opponent team's supporters really get the match going.Too much shouting I would say.
I wanted Mashoodh and Mohandoss to open the batting. Mashoodh gave his wicket cheaply in the first over itself. Again too much shout from the opponents dug out. Karthik injured during the first innings but there is something at that moment I felt that he is one needs to get out for batting and score runs. (Not planned, Just the instinct).
A quiet start for us in 1st over. We scored just 1 run.
Karthik and Mohandoss played the innings of their college life. 2nd over we got 21 runs and we are on full song. This pair hit sixes and fours all over and we won the match in 5th over.( SHOUT turned out to be pin drop silence in opponent's dug out). Team Owner Agilesh asked us to finish the game even quickly to increase the run rate. ( Semi Finals la run rate check panra orey aalu ivaru dhan)
Karthik(Jack) declared as Man of the Match for his 29 runs.
Mohandoss had his earphones fixed in his ears throughout the day and he couldn't believe what he was done. But sure he always wanted to win a game for us like this. And he did too.
One game away from another EPL trophy.
Big final Vs Vellore Vernelz :-
We invited our class mates and friends to support us in our last match in college.
We all gathered well before the time and started practicing some catches. Good news for us that Ram had finished his training and joined our team in finals.
The way we presented ourselves with the big trophy in the middle of the ground is certainly one the big moments for us.One final Match in VIT. All eyes on us.It's such an exciting moment to play in front of crowds. (Never happened for us before)
In the team meeting(Before the start) I said, "We have played some good cricket so far but forget that before this match, it's a new day, a new match. Out of all the physical strength and good form with bat and ball will not help in today's match. Mental strength is needed and it's not going to be easy. So, be mentally alert and strong. We can do it one last time. Forget about all your girls friends and friends who are watching now, don't think about them. Don't sit along with the friends, I wanted the team to go separately and sit. Come on guys, Cup'a win panrom."
In finals, I had no luck with the toss, and yes it happened once again. Vellore won the toss and elected to bowl first. Not a great feeling but that's the way it is. Not every time our plans will be done.
Mohandoss and Karthik opened the batting, just advised them to play naturally with no pressure. Mohandoss perished early, I stepped in and rotated the strike. Karthik went cheaply. Pandy arrived at the crease and we kept the score board ticking slowly. After the 5 overs break, Pandy tried a big shot and got out. Deepak came, due to my mistake I ran out him. Then I was run out. Players come and go cheaply. We had a miserable time with the bat. Such a big upset to see that, especially in front of our class mates we let their heads down. Scored 41 runs. We didn't hit a single boundary in that.
Everyone in the team was in shell shock but I just don't that fear of losing thought in my team mates mind. I had only one thing in mind and that is to win. Again I talked with team mates, "We had enough score, just don't worry about that. We can concentrate every ball and if they can give some pressure to us then we can do the same to them. Don't let the fear in mind. Come on guys, Let's go."
Ram and Mohandoss started the first 2 overs. Mohandoss gave 11 runs in an over but gave the first break by picking up the important wicket (Sabari- Highest run getter in the tournament).Tough decision for the umpire though.After then, we pushed the pressure back to them. I picked up the next batsman's wicket in my first over and followed by a run out , after that Ram picked the next wicket. In the half way stage, it was a good platform for us.
7th over - Probably, the crucial over of the match, I wanted Prabu to bowl. Mashoodh had different ideas but somehow I convinced him explaining that if Prabu can finish the over quickly without giving runs, The next three overs will be bowled by Myself (8th,10th) and Pandy(9th). The plan had actually clicked, Prabu bowled well, just a couple of runs from his over. Next comes my over, Balaji (Highly paid player in EPL) the batsman hit the ball too long on and Ram missed a ball and it went for boundary. Adding more pressure to my class mates, not to me. Next a dot ball. I know he (balaji) will step out and try to hit me for a six in last ball of my over. But I just knew it before, I bowled a fast and flat delivery and got the stumps shattered. Really I got pumped up, I ran for 10 meters said "Ippa kathungada (Now shout) and pointed the fingers to shut up" to opponent supporters. (Almost 70 % people supported for them, remaining 30 % is ours). We believed that's the match for us.
Arun pandy bowled a fantastic 9th over showing his class once again and gave 3 runs. It all came to the end, I got the ball, set the fielders to deep, bowled quick and fast deliveries (But still I'm a spin over :P). Pandy saved a boundary with his terrific fielding and I check the scores with my team owners and friends who are waiting in boundary line to rush. I just waved, Stay calm, just 2 more deliveries to go. 1 run from the 5th ball, So it's 6 six runs needed from the last ball and I just bowled a fast low full toss which the batsman couldn't hit for a six. It's over, players and friends jumping with joy to see us winning. Such a wonderful moment in our college life. Wish I could have paused that moment.
Then we talked, it's never an easy match for us in finals no matter how strong we look from the out set. It's the mental strength that really helped us to stay focused.
I heartfully felt the god's blessing in our game. The victory was just one step ahead but to get that God will make us work hard and give our best to get that. Yes, We made it at the end.
(It may look easier for people who read but people who have witnessed us winning on that day will know how hard it was and how we fought for victory)
The second most satisfying match in my college life and the best one for sure.
I(Sam) was declared Man of the Match for my handful runs with the bat and good performance with the ball in finals.
Some emotional moments for players:
Deepak- Ennaku ippa ila mama yeppavum theriyum nan solluven namma strength bowling dhan da. Batting la strong madhri irupom aana namma pasangala namba mudiyadhu, yeppavum bowling dhan nammaku win pannudhu. (I always knew and say our strength is our bowling. We may look strong from batting but the real key was bowling (With a bright smile on his face).
Sudhan- Enga irundho vandhen da, nan unga kuda lam sethu ippadi win panradhu romba sandhosham captain. Marakavey mudiyadhu en life la. Nandri Captain. (I came from somewhere and to see myself part of our team and winning like gives me so much happiness. I will never forget this in my life, Thanks, Captain (Slight tears in his eyes but a there is a big smile too)
Special thanks to Agilesh, Dhanasurya, Umar, Nandhini, and Kanmani for cheering our team and supporting throughout the journey (We had absolutely wonderful time together during the tournament). And also to our classmates who turned out in final and cheered us. A roller coaster match for sure. We dedicate the trophy to all the people who supported us.
END OF CHENNAI SPARTANS LEGACY ( THE REAL "MAVERICKS"). ENDED ON A GOOD NOTE. SMILES ALL AROUND.
First Match vs Kovai Trojans:
We had a decent practice session before the start of EPL, but this first match was a huge set back for us. We lost it. Too many extras, some poor bowling and not to mention we were a bit over confident. A Couple of good performances from the opponent team and poor batting show from our side let the game go. We assessed ourselves what went wrong and what needed to be done. It's an early wake-up call for us.
They scored 83 runs and we scored just 40+. It's a bad loss.
I advised team mates not to think of anything too early, We can learn our mistakes and bounce back.
Second Match vs Chennai Bisons:
A fresh beginning, a new day and we were so cautioned about our play from this match onwards. I advised the team to stay positive, forget the early match, let's have a good start from here on. It's a 7 am match, nobody was hungry ( but yes we are hungry for a win)
We won the toss and elected to field (as we mostly do), sticking to our bowling power. We bundled out the opponent for 43 runs. Good performance from Prabu, Myself, and Sudhan (thakkali) getting a hat trick.
The second innings went well. Opener Arun Pandy and Mashoodh finished the game in 5 overs or so. Much needed win to bring back some positives from the players.
Arun pandy won the Man of the Match for his good show with the ball and the bat.
Third Match vs Vellore Vernelz:
This match is very important in terms of boosting our confidence. We know winning this match could give us a psychological momentum to be back in the tournament and Vellore is certainly a good competitive team to play.
Again won the toss and chosen to bowl first.(We changed the side of playing pitch because of some issues on the regular side). Prabu gave us a good start by picking up the important wicket. It really was a good day for me with the ball as I took 5 wickets and Vellore bundled out for 42 runs.
Vignesh and Karthik opened the batting, bit of a slow start for us. But soon we caught the run rate as Vignesh hit a six and four in back to back succession and Karthik also given a fine knock to help us won the match in 5 overs.
I(Sam) won the Man of the Match for picking up 5 wickets.
Fourth Match vs Surat Smashers:
Back to back win gave us a lot of confidence and for this particular match suddenly a thought from somewhere gave us that we could try to win this match with a larger margin...And what happened was.....
Once again a morning match, we won the toss and I chose to bat first. Just wanted to score some runs and try to bundle out the opponent with a low score. I thought this match could give some positives to the team , I sent Deepak and Mohandoss to open the batting. Mohandoss out cheaply but Deepak had a thunderous day.He scored 76 runs and I scored some 20 runs or so. Arun pandy also got some helpful runs at the death. Finally, we scored 135 runs off 10 overs (With some extras included). But also we know that it's not the toughest of opponents to play. Nevertheless, it's been a hunting match for some for sure. (One of our team owners Agilesh wanted us to score 150+ runs, to know more on that pls contact him. :D)
After scoring a huge score, I thought it's the perfect time to give chances to players who haven't bowled yet. Vadivel, Yogeshwar, Sudhan, Pandy, Vignesh, Prabu, they've thoroughly enjoyed the play in the middle. Vadivel picked up a couple of wickets and Yogeshwar the silent killer, Picked up a wicket in his over too. We won the match by 95 runs. Yup. A margin which could really increase our run rate as well as players momentum.
Deepak won the Man of the Match for his 76 runs with the bat.
The Fifth match vs ODC had been called off as they had some issues with their players. So they have walked off giving us a win:
I couldn't believe that we could actually top the table. It happened because of Chennai Bisons who won a nail biting super over match against Kovai.
Semi Final Vs Chennai Bisons:
Coming to knock matches. Well, I have to say our winning percentage in knock outs are always high.
Mostly in important matches like this, we stick to our bowling strength first. We won the toss and elected to bowl.
We had a decent start to the match, all my bowlers bowled well on that day. Sudhan, Prabu, Pandy, Mohandoss. We have given away some extras and at the end, they have scored 51 runs in 10 overs. Well, Opponent team's supporters really get the match going.Too much shouting I would say.
I wanted Mashoodh and Mohandoss to open the batting. Mashoodh gave his wicket cheaply in the first over itself. Again too much shout from the opponents dug out. Karthik injured during the first innings but there is something at that moment I felt that he is one needs to get out for batting and score runs. (Not planned, Just the instinct).
A quiet start for us in 1st over. We scored just 1 run.
Karthik and Mohandoss played the innings of their college life. 2nd over we got 21 runs and we are on full song. This pair hit sixes and fours all over and we won the match in 5th over.( SHOUT turned out to be pin drop silence in opponent's dug out). Team Owner Agilesh asked us to finish the game even quickly to increase the run rate. ( Semi Finals la run rate check panra orey aalu ivaru dhan)
Karthik(Jack) declared as Man of the Match for his 29 runs.
Mohandoss had his earphones fixed in his ears throughout the day and he couldn't believe what he was done. But sure he always wanted to win a game for us like this. And he did too.
One game away from another EPL trophy.
Big final Vs Vellore Vernelz :-
We invited our class mates and friends to support us in our last match in college.
We all gathered well before the time and started practicing some catches. Good news for us that Ram had finished his training and joined our team in finals.
The way we presented ourselves with the big trophy in the middle of the ground is certainly one the big moments for us.One final Match in VIT. All eyes on us.It's such an exciting moment to play in front of crowds. (Never happened for us before)
In the team meeting(Before the start) I said, "We have played some good cricket so far but forget that before this match, it's a new day, a new match. Out of all the physical strength and good form with bat and ball will not help in today's match. Mental strength is needed and it's not going to be easy. So, be mentally alert and strong. We can do it one last time. Forget about all your girls friends and friends who are watching now, don't think about them. Don't sit along with the friends, I wanted the team to go separately and sit. Come on guys, Cup'a win panrom."
In finals, I had no luck with the toss, and yes it happened once again. Vellore won the toss and elected to bowl first. Not a great feeling but that's the way it is. Not every time our plans will be done.
Mohandoss and Karthik opened the batting, just advised them to play naturally with no pressure. Mohandoss perished early, I stepped in and rotated the strike. Karthik went cheaply. Pandy arrived at the crease and we kept the score board ticking slowly. After the 5 overs break, Pandy tried a big shot and got out. Deepak came, due to my mistake I ran out him. Then I was run out. Players come and go cheaply. We had a miserable time with the bat. Such a big upset to see that, especially in front of our class mates we let their heads down. Scored 41 runs. We didn't hit a single boundary in that.
Everyone in the team was in shell shock but I just don't that fear of losing thought in my team mates mind. I had only one thing in mind and that is to win. Again I talked with team mates, "We had enough score, just don't worry about that. We can concentrate every ball and if they can give some pressure to us then we can do the same to them. Don't let the fear in mind. Come on guys, Let's go."
Ram and Mohandoss started the first 2 overs. Mohandoss gave 11 runs in an over but gave the first break by picking up the important wicket (Sabari- Highest run getter in the tournament).Tough decision for the umpire though.After then, we pushed the pressure back to them. I picked up the next batsman's wicket in my first over and followed by a run out , after that Ram picked the next wicket. In the half way stage, it was a good platform for us.
7th over - Probably, the crucial over of the match, I wanted Prabu to bowl. Mashoodh had different ideas but somehow I convinced him explaining that if Prabu can finish the over quickly without giving runs, The next three overs will be bowled by Myself (8th,10th) and Pandy(9th). The plan had actually clicked, Prabu bowled well, just a couple of runs from his over. Next comes my over, Balaji (Highly paid player in EPL) the batsman hit the ball too long on and Ram missed a ball and it went for boundary. Adding more pressure to my class mates, not to me. Next a dot ball. I know he (balaji) will step out and try to hit me for a six in last ball of my over. But I just knew it before, I bowled a fast and flat delivery and got the stumps shattered. Really I got pumped up, I ran for 10 meters said "Ippa kathungada (Now shout) and pointed the fingers to shut up" to opponent supporters. (Almost 70 % people supported for them, remaining 30 % is ours). We believed that's the match for us.
Arun pandy bowled a fantastic 9th over showing his class once again and gave 3 runs. It all came to the end, I got the ball, set the fielders to deep, bowled quick and fast deliveries (But still I'm a spin over :P). Pandy saved a boundary with his terrific fielding and I check the scores with my team owners and friends who are waiting in boundary line to rush. I just waved, Stay calm, just 2 more deliveries to go. 1 run from the 5th ball, So it's 6 six runs needed from the last ball and I just bowled a fast low full toss which the batsman couldn't hit for a six. It's over, players and friends jumping with joy to see us winning. Such a wonderful moment in our college life. Wish I could have paused that moment.
Then we talked, it's never an easy match for us in finals no matter how strong we look from the out set. It's the mental strength that really helped us to stay focused.
I heartfully felt the god's blessing in our game. The victory was just one step ahead but to get that God will make us work hard and give our best to get that. Yes, We made it at the end.
(It may look easier for people who read but people who have witnessed us winning on that day will know how hard it was and how we fought for victory)
The second most satisfying match in my college life and the best one for sure.
I(Sam) was declared Man of the Match for my handful runs with the bat and good performance with the ball in finals.
Some emotional moments for players:
Deepak- Ennaku ippa ila mama yeppavum theriyum nan solluven namma strength bowling dhan da. Batting la strong madhri irupom aana namma pasangala namba mudiyadhu, yeppavum bowling dhan nammaku win pannudhu. (I always knew and say our strength is our bowling. We may look strong from batting but the real key was bowling (With a bright smile on his face).
Sudhan- Enga irundho vandhen da, nan unga kuda lam sethu ippadi win panradhu romba sandhosham captain. Marakavey mudiyadhu en life la. Nandri Captain. (I came from somewhere and to see myself part of our team and winning like gives me so much happiness. I will never forget this in my life, Thanks, Captain (Slight tears in his eyes but a there is a big smile too)
Special thanks to Agilesh, Dhanasurya, Umar, Nandhini, and Kanmani for cheering our team and supporting throughout the journey (We had absolutely wonderful time together during the tournament). And also to our classmates who turned out in final and cheered us. A roller coaster match for sure. We dedicate the trophy to all the people who supported us.
END OF CHENNAI SPARTANS LEGACY ( THE REAL "MAVERICKS"). ENDED ON A GOOD NOTE. SMILES ALL AROUND.