Attaching, 21st May 2023
No sooner had Such “2 phones” Desai wiped grass stains from his knees following that paddle sweep for 2 in Augsburg[1], the 1s were facing another T-20 double header up in Freising 3 days later. Two beautiful grounds with brilliant facilities[2], things seem to be going upwards for Bavarian cricket.
Due to a football tournament taking place till 12, this was meant to be a late start. The sun was out in all its glory and so were the cricket gear from both teams. I luckily managed to get a ride from a Hansa driver and reached the ground with plenty of time, hoping for another 2 wins.
With weather gods smiling, so were the tossing angels and Jonty Altmann duly elected to bat first. It was meant to be Jonty and Macca opening the innings, but with Macca discreetly gone out for a “walk about”, Vish got to join in middle after claiming to have medidated earlier that morning. May his beer be watered down.
The pair made a quick fire 45 in 7 overs with help of some quick running and blazing hook shots. MCC were about 65/3 in 10 overs when our middle order experts, “In too” Deep and Such “2p” Desai carried on from where they left on Thursday.[1] With both scoring at free will [aka HUGE SIXES!!], MCC put on a formidable 166/8 in their 20 overs. Over to the bowlers.
Waqas and JD started with teasing lines and lengths; with former knocking off the opening batter’s off peg. He also assisted a smart run out few overs later with Anirudh “Rudy” Saraf.
Neeraj “Hot Chili” Thapliyal came in as 2nd change and simply steamrolled the opposition’s middle order. Before anyone noticed [we eventually did notice 12 hours later] he had taken a 4-fa and a HATTRICK, club’s first since 2018.
MCC 166/8 Freising Lions 73/10 S. Desai 37(28) N. Singh 3-0-19-2 J. Altmann 29(19) N. Thapliyal 3.4-0-6-4
On to the 2nd game, Skipper Jonty “Vlad” Altmann made a change to the playing 11 and brought in the young prodigy Keshav in for Macca. Keshav was in a fine form on Thursday.[1]
After losing the toss, MCC were put in to bowl first. Waqas and JD picked immaculate lines, leaving the opposition 27/3 after 8 overs. 3 wickets to JD’s name with brilliant catches from Waqas, Rudy and Keshav.
Attaching played smartly afterwards, batter Manjunathan the most conspicuous. He made an intelligent 55 off 46 balls including 2 sixes. Attaching somewhat pulled the game back and finished on a high with 115/8 after their 20 overs.
Vlad and Vish came into bat and ensured MCC didnt lose the upper hand. Some decent balling was countered with aggressive batting and running between the wickets. MCC were already on 40 when first wicket fell in the 7th over, Vish caught at mid-on.
After attempting to get out 17 times, Vlad’s wish finally came true and MCC were 75/3 in 13th over with Rudy being the other wicket. Everything under control, nothing to panick.
But because everyone bats at the MCC, our middle order suffered a minor collapse that included Hans being sold down the river for 1, both Deep and Debarun caught at long on.
Cool heads from JD and Niraj[3] finally got us over the line, MCC winning the match by 2 wickets with 2 balls to spare.
Freising Lions 115/8 MCC 118/8 M. Muniramaiah 55(46) J. Altmann 32(35) N. Singh 3.4-0-22-3 V. Bhatia 23(23) V. Bhola 4-0-17-2 J. Deverill 4-1-18-3
Both matches were played in best spirits and the umpiring was again top notch. Thanks Attaching for being lovely hosts. They also recorded both games on camera from 3rd man position. I will post the link here as soon as I receive any footage.
Left arm training began at the pizzeria close by with an obligatory helles. Excellent post-match conditions.
Thank you for having me folks! I’ll see you all next time-ish
Yours truly, Dang Ling-Wang
Notes
[1] We are still awaiting report from a loss and win away against Augsburg. Anyone in hurry, please direct your requests straight to day’s captain Cam Foskett.
[2] Anyone who would like to get a glimpse of Attaching’s lovely ground, our beloved writer Ms. Wendi Breward covered a match in 2021. Follow the link.
[3] By Niraj’s cool head I mean the attempted Jos Buttler flick over fine leg. His snick to the keeper was somehow missed by the umpire. We only needed 2 from 3 balls with 2 wickets in bag, so his attempt was a secure option.
