By Sham Ali
(Celebrating 46th Anniversary) :- In a match that had require Cosmos to fire on all cylinders since it would determine a possible spot in the playoffs turned out to be a one-sided affair against GT Fire last Sunday at Ferry Point Park, Whitestone after the opposition won the toss and elected to bat on a ‘warm’ day.
Not much went well for Cosmos on the field as few early blunders made it difficult to restrict the aggressive intent of the opposition’s batsmen after a first ball chance went begging at point off Sham Ali. Ryan Ganesh then struck the early blow in his first over to remove A. Siewraj, and another chance to make further inroads went begging when V. Bhir miscued to cover in Ali second over and Ghanam Tariq made a meal of it.
Cosmos open attack paid a huge price in the powerplay overs on a burnt-out outfield as E. Velaidum and Bhir posted a blistering 2nd wicket partnership of 70-runs in just six overs before Bhir (42) was caught behind off Alvin Gobin. Fire kept firing with another good partnership of 81-runs for the 3rd wicket before Antanio Rooplall affected the breakthrough when M. Lionel (34) nicked behind.
A good spell between Towgeshwar Thakoordeen and Rooplall stems the flow, as Thakoordeen removed E. Velaidum (77) and Rooplall picked up another two wickets. At 183 for 5 Cosmos rue their chances of getting a grip on the inning Cosmos.
Baveshwar Utam kept a tight line and in the process picked up three wickets, but Cosmos missed crucial opportunities at crucial times especially in the closing stages of the inning that allowed the opposition the freedom and they kept firing as the closed their inning on an imposing 257 all out in 29 overs. A. Rooplall took 4 for 34. B. Utam 3 for 19.
Ghanam Tariq walked in to open the batting, he has been among the runs so far, and it would require a big inning from him and good support from the top order if Cosmos would challenge the opposition total. He got off to a good start as he raced to 31 runs in a 41- run opening partnership before he cut to the man at point.
Thereafter, Cosmos never looked like they would pose a threat, as GT Fire were brilliant in the field on both sides of the inning. Devindra Balgobin offered some resistance as Cosmos inning petered out to a paltry 117 all out in 24.5 overs. A. Lallbeharry took 5 for 15. A. Siewraj 3 for 12, and R. Dewlall 2 for 30.
Aug. 16 Cosmos Bus Ride to Atlantic City.
Aug. 17 Cosmos v Empire at Randalls Island.
