One of the shortest, most exciting matches in recent memory occurred last weekend when the United States' opening bowler Tony Malikowski removed both of England's openers in his first over. When Maryann fell for a duck in the 4th over, England were in serious trouble at 8/3. Captain Bhima, however, strolled to the crease and marshaled a fightback, scoring 19 runs and getting England to 34 all out in just under 7 overs. The Polish expats of Malikowski and Sobolowski grabbed two wickets apiece for the home side.
The American side liked their chances - needing only 3.4 runs an over - until Kevin "Big Britain" Wright induced John Paul into giving a thick edge back to the keeper on the very first ball of the US's reply. Calamity struck again in the over as Tony, having struck a smart four from the first ball he faced, gave a straightforward caught and bowled back to Wright. Each team had lost two wickets in their first over, and now the game was even.
American captain Chris then took to the crease and tried to keep the home side ahead of the rate, but after adding only 11 runs, the three remaining wickets fell at the other end for the addition of only one run. England won by 16 runs. England leads the series 2-0.
SCORECARD
England
Kevin - 0
Barrie - 0
Maryann - 1
Bhima - 19
Irek - 1
Bartek - 0
EXTRAS - 13
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TOTAL 34
USA
John Paul - 0
Tony - 4
Chris - 12
Michelle - 0
Bartek - 0
EXTRAS - 2
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TOTAL 18
With a record 8 ducks, I think a little defensive work is in order, as well as how to take singles and get off the mark. I'm looking forward to getting together after the Memorial Day weekend for some practice and another match!
The American side liked their chances - needing only 3.4 runs an over - until Kevin "Big Britain" Wright induced John Paul into giving a thick edge back to the keeper on the very first ball of the US's reply. Calamity struck again in the over as Tony, having struck a smart four from the first ball he faced, gave a straightforward caught and bowled back to Wright. Each team had lost two wickets in their first over, and now the game was even.
American captain Chris then took to the crease and tried to keep the home side ahead of the rate, but after adding only 11 runs, the three remaining wickets fell at the other end for the addition of only one run. England won by 16 runs. England leads the series 2-0.
SCORECARD
England
Kevin - 0
Barrie - 0
Maryann - 1
Bhima - 19
Irek - 1
Bartek - 0
EXTRAS - 13
-----------
TOTAL 34
USA
John Paul - 0
Tony - 4
Chris - 12
Michelle - 0
Bartek - 0
EXTRAS - 2
-----------
TOTAL 18
With a record 8 ducks, I think a little defensive work is in order, as well as how to take singles and get off the mark. I'm looking forward to getting together after the Memorial Day weekend for some practice and another match!
