Last Monday's final had to be the most pulsating game of indoor cricket I have ever played. Desperate to win our last game, we decided to set a big target and defend it.
Unfortunately our batting was below par, with only 3 partnerships making solid scores, the other partnership failing miserably. If you're batting in a finals situation, make sure you first and foremost keep your wicket! Fortunately James and I produced the best partnership which served as the anchor of the innings.
Our bowling was gutsy and determined and couldn't have asked for a better effort in the field. With my constant shouting, cursing, and sledging, which was so loud that everyone within a one mile radius could have heard it, we managed to put great pressure on them till the point where they nearly broke down after 3 partnerships.
However their last partnership won the game for them. With only 9 runs to get in the final over, they got to within 4 runs with 2 balls still to be bowled. The 5th ball was tossed up, the batsman decided to step out and have a big swing, only to be neatly stumped. We were euphoric; to get 9 runs to win off the final ball was pretty much impossible. Unfortunately they got 8 runs (a boundary 7 was smashed off the final ball, and a cheeky single was stolen), which meant they tied the game. Because the opposition had a better run rate through the competition (around 2% higher), they were declared winners.
We were absolutely shattered. We were tired. But at least we tied the game, and at least we didn't lose by one run. (This is disregarding the fact that they won by run rate!) Both sides congratulated each other on a well fought game, which I can say turned out to be the best finals game in the whole competition.
After the game we had a few drinks, and then our team went their own separate ways. There is talk that we'll reform the team in the summer competition, but for now I'll definitely be hanging up the bat and Dirty Hackers team shirt.
Having played for over two years in the same competition, we've brought in many players who have had stints with the Dirty Hackers, played many exciting games, endured many bad losses, and improved as a playing unit. My batting has really found some good form (lately my partnerships with James have been averaging between 35-50 runs), the bowling as always still needs a lot of work (my line and length tends to be erratic), and the fielding has generally been solid, despite me not having a settled fielding position as I always tend to float around. Overall, playing indoor has brought lots of great memories.
Still haven't decided what to do with Monday's however.....
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