Conditions at Prem David Buck Oval were much more amenable after two hot weekends as Lanna Thais faced CMCC in a friendly that replaced the scheduled league match. The covers had been on so there was a bit more help for the bowlers under cloudy skies but we were not prepared for a dramatic start to the day.
Elliot Lodge pitched the first ball of the day outside off stump on a good length and Aasif was caught behind for a golden duck. Aasif’s opening partner Irshad was also out for a duck as he attempted a big hit so CMCC were five for two after a dramatic first over.
Zeeshan made a composed 29 and Asif Noor an attacking 63 from 49 balls with three sixes to bat CMCC out of trouble and then Ismail started the season in fine touch with a watchful 63 from 68 balls to ensure that his team would make a competitive score. Elliot finished with figures of 3 for 38 and Joe Lawson took his first wickets for the club as CMCC made 243 for 9 in 35 over.
The Lanna regulars had been bolstered by four Lamphun boys so Bew was given the opportunity to open the batting and he looked to enjoy the role as he hit three fours before being unfortunately run out for 13. Vivek Dougal was forced to retire hurt with what proved to be three fractured ribs but Chalam helped Brian Quinton (34 from 54) launch a recovery.
Chris Horsley-Wyatt has impressed greatly at the start of his career with Lanna with wickets with the ball and sixes with the bat but today was his best contribution yet as he made 63 from 45 balls with 8 fours and a six and he shared an entertaining fifty partnership for the fifth wicket with Richie George.
Lanna Thais were keeping up with a required rate of 10 an over so if they could keep going to the end victory was still on the cards. Richie was bowled by Burhan for 16 but Elliot also went for his shots and the crucial wicket came when Chris was caught behind by the keeper visiting from Bangkok who was wearing a go-pro so he could post footage online.
Elliot continued the chase as he made a positive 29 from 21 balls but Lanna Thais finished on 214 for for nine as CMCC won by 29 runs in near darkness but the rain had held off during an enjoyable contest. Burhan finished with three wickets and Lanna Thais had done well to be so competitive against a strong CMCC team.
There was a Sunday friendly at Gymkhana where CMCC beat Northern Lions by 43 runs as CMCC made 239 for 9 in 30 overs as Ismail posted 92 from 52 balls. Kimmy was the pick of the bowlers as he continues to look like a fast bowler with plenty of potential. He dismissed both openers in his first spell and returned to take a third wicket.
Northern Lions made a good effort to chase a big total as Champ and Cher both made 34 and extras contributed 41 to a total of 196 as the boys almost batted out the 30 overs. Sindhi and Ismail both took 2 wickets apiece as again we did well to get a full match played after early morning rain.