SJ’S VICTORIOUS IN FIRST MATCH OF CRICKET SEASON

11 May 2008 01:18

Match date: Sunday 4 May 2008  

Opposition: S.S.S.A (a team of our Shia brothers from Morden, South London)  

Match report by Shabbir Mulji  

Stanmore Jaffery’s won the toss and decided to bowl first.  

Bowling Analysis:  

There was some very good bowling from the youngsters with both Sajjad Rajan and Sarfaraz Bhojani stepping up to the plate and bowling economically and accurately. However, special mention must go to Mo Sherali who (as the pick of the bowlers) bowled with good pace and had excellent control of his line and length. His consistency and accuracy paid dividends for the team and he took excellent figures of 3 for 13 off five overs.  

In addition to the exemplary bowling the team showed enthusiastic and determined ground fielding, taking important catches and a number of run outs from Ahmed Bhai, Aftab, Sarfaraz Bhojani and Zaffarabbas. As a result of this excellent effort the brothers from south of the river were restricted to just 143 runs. It must be said that any side in the peak of their form would have been duly commended for this level of fielding and determination on the pitch, with this being our first game we stand in good stead for the season to unfold.  

Another one of our many talented players that deserves to be singled out is "King Musafir", who has not only proven that he is excellent at organising fixtures (with hundreds of years of experience under his belt) but can also play in literally any given position on the pitch! Over the years he has opened both the batting and the bowling, always performing at a high level, and this week was no exception as in true versatile form he took the onus and put on the gloves behind the "sticks". As a true sportsman it is no surprise that with Musa's experience and quality on display the team amassed the numerous run outs that it did.  

Bowler Overs Runs Wickets  

Mohamed Sherali 5 13 3  

Munna Merali 5 21 2  

Zaffarabbas Mukhtar 6 25 1  

Shabbir Mulji 5 23 1  

Batting Analysis:  

With just 144 runs required to win, the opening slots were entrusted in the capable hands of Ahmed (Bhai) Manekia and Zaffarabbas. It was a bit unusual for Zaffar to open the innings given that the captain was fully aware of Zaffar’s batting track record, having played cricket together for many years back home (in Tanzania).  

That said with some sound grounds strokes and quick singles, Zaffar departed scoring 24 runs caught on the boundary line. Ironically he was trying to do what most batsman attempt to accomplish against his own bowling erm… that is attempt to clear the ropes, with the score at 44/1.  

Zaffer's demise meant in came the vibrant Mo Sherali (what an asset he is for SJ cricket a true all-rounder who has barely breached his teenage years – one to look out for in the years to come). He demonstrated some classic strokes and resilience, not unfamiliar to those East Africans that have had the honour to watch his father Gulam uncle and uncle Shakir.  

Next to go was Ahmed Bhai – who, in his usual cool demeanour, had got the scoreboard ticking by taking his time and exploiting quick singles and two’s, peppered with the occasional exquisite boundary. Ahmed Bhai;s innings quickly built a partnership of 30 runs with Mo, with Ahmed Bhai contributing a total of 23 runs.  

With the departure of Ahmed Bhai,