Blackcaps are back again and are showing the other teams why we are the reigning "NRW Champions".

 

In an exciting game on the 12th of June at JHQ the blackcaps beat the Rheindahlen Crusaders with still 4 overs to spare. Blackcaps captained this time by Benjamin, Asif being given rest after the splendid performance in Köln at the M+V Cup, won the toss and elected to field first.

 

Blackcaps were missing a few of their key players and were playing with 9 players. Katja  got the second chance to play in a League game and Robin has already played a few games for the Blackcaps. Rheindahlen started off pretty slow, but soon started picking up their runrate from 2 an over to three and then to 4 and then with the help of a few gifted extras reached a total of 255 for 5 after 50 Overs.

 

Majed bowled brilliantly, but could not get through the defense of the Crusaders. Vishnu got the first breakthrough getting the captain Rim LBW. Nothing was working, crusaders were playing the ball well and taking their singles here and there. A few misfields and extras helped them to pick their runrate up. Crusaders were playing the regular bowlers quite comfortably, seeing this Benjamin took off his Keeping gloves and gave his "Mystery" bowling a shot. Benjamin took a stunning (hot and hard!) caught and bowled to get rid of Steven their well set Batsman at 105. After that in the last 5 Overs Tarun Managed to get 2 quick wickets and Majeed got one, leaving the Crusaders with a total of 255 for 5.

 

Blackcaps started off their innings with Tarun and Deepak. Unluckily Deepak went for a pull shot in the second Over and was caught. Benjamin joined Tarun and were managing a few singles here and there. in the 6th Over Tarun went for a square cut and was caught at point. Blackcpas were 36 for 2 after 6. Vishnu joined in but was unlucky and was LBW pretty early. Vishnu was followed by Benjamin who was caught behind "brilliantly" by the Keeper standing up for a pace bowler. Now Blackcpas were struggling not with the runrate but due to the lack of players.

 

Paul started off steadily and was joined by Majeed after the fall of Benjamins' wicket. Both of them played one of the best Innings once could have ever witnessed. They were taking their singles and doubles wherever they could, and every now and then clearing the fence for a Boundary or for a six. After getting his 50 Paul miscued one shot and played on to the ball and got out. Balckcaps sill needing 44 odd runs for victory, Mallik joined Majeed but could not hold on long and was Leg before, Blackcaps now requiring 34 runs and Robin comes into bat with Majeed.

 

Robin has the task to stop every ball and let Majeed do the job for Blackcaps. Robin does a brilliant job and supports Majeed for the next 4 Overs. Unfortunately Robin could not hold his nerves and wanted to contribute runs for Blackcaps and was caught trying to oush the ball for a single.

 

Majeed is now on 99 and Katja joins him at the strikers end. Blackcaps still need 10 runs for Victory and are 7 wickets down, have no more batsmen to come in after katja. Katja has to face two balls, and she does it brilliantly. Majeed gets on strike on the 46th Over and hits a 4 to get his first hundred of the season. The task is not yet completed and he gets his head down and manages to hit another 4, now only two runs required and two balls remaining in this over, either Majeed finishes the game getting two runs or takes a single off the last ball to avoid Katja coming on strike. On the 6th ball of the 46th Over Majeed hits a 4 and brings Victory to Blackcaps.

 

A magnificient and matured performance from Majeed.

 

Hats off to Robin and Katja for their understanding and capability to hold on their nerves. WELL done Blackcaps, a great team performance.