Finals..Part I

It was a very very hot day. Early in the morning, I had to help a friend move their stuff to a new apartment. Even though i didnt really lift heavy stuff, after all the move, i was sweating like a pig, because of the conditions. I was also careful not to hurt my hand or finger before the game during the move. After the move, i took much needed rest and was getting ready for the evening game. As i was about to head to the ground, there was a sudden rain out of nowhere. I was disappointed at first thinking that rain would play spoilsport. But when i looked outside, it more or less seemed like passing clouds and in fact, the rain helped cool down the temperature by a few degrees.

I was looking forward to the finals. I was in good form leading up to the finals and was consistent during the warm up games.I did my usual warm-ups before the game and I was hoping that we would win the toss and bat first and to my fortune, we did exactly that.

I usually like to face the batting when opening. But that day, When i walked to bat, I was definitely nervous. As the bowler was setting his fielders, I was thinking to myself " Dont get out first ball". I havent played a tournament game in two weeks and I was facing a bowler who has been bowling pretty good first over during the tournament.

I did my usual nervous prod outside the off stump, the first ball i faced. Luckily it was wide and didnt catch any edge and aptly called wide. That ball took the pressure off and I was slowly getting to feel comfortable, but not totally yet. My feet, for some reason, was moving slow. A drive to cover point area, which got the middle of the bat,for a single, got me off the strike. I felt really confident after that shot. I had a very good partner who was in good form as well and generally was setting the tone in the first few overs. He did the same that day as well and got things going. But unlike last time, the opponents bowled really well and didnt give easy scoring opportunities nor did they concede extras.

I got my rhythm going when i drove through the offside for a couple. The next ball was full toss and I flicked it through mid wicket. The fielder at short mid-wicket stretched full hand and stopped the ball and in one motion threw a direct hit at the stumps. I thought the ball would miss the fielder and was starting to take off for a single. When i realized that there was no run, i turned back and while doing so, i slipped. I couldnt recover in time and the direct hit found me short. I was very very disappointed to get out in this fashion, as this was probably the last game of this cricket season.

My other opening partner continued to play well and was keeping us in the game. Though we didnt score at a rapid rate, we were keeping wickets in hand and were playing sensible cricket. Every shot was encouraged and supported well by our cheerleaders with their antics and bringing in distraction. A short cameo in the final few overs got us to a respectable target and we knew we had a good chance to win...if we bowl the way we have been bowling and concede less extras.