The Arizona Cricket Association Scorpions in the opening round of the American Cricket Federation’s 2015 Newbery American Cricket Champions League tournament stung the Orange County Cricket Association Cougars. The Arizona Scorpions defeated the Orange County Cougars by 186 stings at the Snedigar Sports Complex in Chandler, AZ on May 17.
Winning the toss and electing to take first strike following an 8:50am toss, the Arizona Scorpions’ batsmen were very early troubled by the Orange County Cougars’ bowling, however, the Scorpions’ openers batting cautiously picked up the loose balls without taking unnecessary risks, as openers Ajay and Adib built a 33-run partnership in six overs and providing a solid start.
The Scorpions started scoring runs freely on a good astro turf batting wicket, as Fawward Sher took a stand with the Scorpions having lost four wickets for 94 runs at the 16th over mark, when the match seemed somewhat balanced. Fawward batted sensibly and scored 104 runs off 81 balls, effectively taking the game away from the Cougars. The Cougars managed to run through the tail-end of the Scorpions’ batting line up, but the Scorpions still managed to post a commanding total of 273 all out.
The Arizona Scorpions’ bowlers started the second inning with some accurate bowling, not allowing the Orange County Cougars openers to score freely. The Cougars lost their inform batsman on the very first over in a close run-out, pushing the Cougars to the backseat.
However, the Cougars’ run rate was not up to the mark at any time during the game, losing four wickets in the first nine overs for only for 18 runs. Michael Voss batting sensibly managed double digits scoring 20 runs off 34 balls. Vishwajith contributed 15 off 12 deliveries in his knock. In the end the Orange County Cougars could only muster 87 all out.
The game was played in good spirits and sportsmanship, and on a great day for cricket in Arizona.
Final scores: Arizona Scorpions 273 (Fawward 104, Adib 41, Satwant 34, Nishantha 4-74, 4-42)
Orange County Cougars 87 all out (Michael 20, Wishwajith 15, Satwant 4-17, Mitul 2-7)
Arizona Cougars won by 186 runs.