It was almost an year ago when the InfoCeptians walked on the cricket ground into the finals of IT Cup, with heads held high, undefeated to the grand finale, unperturbed and confident. The result didn't justify the quality of cricket we had played across a time period of two and a half months under the hot Nagpur sun. The Runners Up trophy looked like a consolation for all the effort put in, for all the gelling and bonding in difficult times faced after Sahara Cup and for all the hopes of InfoCeptians that were on us, to bring the Cup to its deserved home. Much was lost but not all, the pride and the spirit that InfoCepts team set an example of was there to remain forever and for others to follow. An exemplary display meant higher aspirations for the next time, bigger goals and better application.
The day came after all, the day that marked the start of redemption of what was lost last time, the day when InfoCeptians began with the quest of the coveted Cup once again. Ans it started so well for us, in the first match, defeating MicroPro by 6 wickets in a tight finish. The heads were high and the confidence soaring when the team entered into the second league match on February 6th.
The next match was on Saturday, February the 6th against Umundu, earlier known as MBlazon whom we had routed last year in the Quarters. and the biggest worry for InfoCepts Team was who would play. Due to personal commitments, the squad was reduced to just 12 people, and there was a quandary that if someone backs out at last moment, the matter could go worse. InfoCeptains took field after winning the toss without the big names of Devang and Alok. Also Rohit bhagwat and Chandra who played in the tournament opener were missing. Thankfully the bowling strength wasn't affected as Rahul Chawhan and Rohit Shah were back in team. InfoCepts started on a roll taking two early wickets and keeping the run rate low in the first 5 overs. But playing on a fast pitch where ball came on to the bat nicely, the opposition retaliated with some good mid innings bating and some lusty blows to amass 93 in 11 overs. with a power play over left in the 3 remaining, a big score was in picture but Milind had different plans for the opposition. Bowling two of the last 3 overs magnificently and taking total control of his bowling he just put the brakes on the scoring. In result, Umundu could finish with just 107 after 14 overs.
In the chase, Ravindra partnered Milind, at the top and got going from the start. Milind couldn't capitalize and was out pulling one. Rohit Shah also departed cheaply cutting straight to the point fielder. Then Nikhil came to the crease and along with Ravindra they batted very sensibly. Picking up cheeky fours, intentionally playing in the third man and fine leg areas, they frustrated the bowling and piled on some quick runs to keep the asking rate down at all times. When Ravindra departed late after compiling a good 45 against his name, the target wasn't that far, and soon enough Nikhil who remained unbeaten on 31 along with Vijay ensured that InfoCepts had romped home by 6 wickets. Also, by scoring at a great run rate of 8.9, InfoCeptains also took a bonus point in the victory ensuring a place in the Quarter finals.
Ravindra was the man of the match for his 45 valuable runs. A notable mention must fittingly go for Rahul Ganguly who showed niche of sportsman spirit, went out of his way to set an example for teams to learn and follow by shaking hand and apologizing for a good banter off field. Seldom, you see, such bigheartedness on a cricket field these days, which has no longer remained a gentleman's game. We are proud to play the game in the spirit as it was meant to be in the first place. We, the InfoCeptians, carry the flame of sporting spirit, glowing bright and high. Cheers for Team InfoCepts.
The day came after all, the day that marked the start of redemption of what was lost last time, the day when InfoCeptians began with the quest of the coveted Cup once again. Ans it started so well for us, in the first match, defeating MicroPro by 6 wickets in a tight finish. The heads were high and the confidence soaring when the team entered into the second league match on February 6th.
The next match was on Saturday, February the 6th against Umundu, earlier known as MBlazon whom we had routed last year in the Quarters. and the biggest worry for InfoCepts Team was who would play. Due to personal commitments, the squad was reduced to just 12 people, and there was a quandary that if someone backs out at last moment, the matter could go worse. InfoCeptains took field after winning the toss without the big names of Devang and Alok. Also Rohit bhagwat and Chandra who played in the tournament opener were missing. Thankfully the bowling strength wasn't affected as Rahul Chawhan and Rohit Shah were back in team. InfoCepts started on a roll taking two early wickets and keeping the run rate low in the first 5 overs. But playing on a fast pitch where ball came on to the bat nicely, the opposition retaliated with some good mid innings bating and some lusty blows to amass 93 in 11 overs. with a power play over left in the 3 remaining, a big score was in picture but Milind had different plans for the opposition. Bowling two of the last 3 overs magnificently and taking total control of his bowling he just put the brakes on the scoring. In result, Umundu could finish with just 107 after 14 overs.
In the chase, Ravindra partnered Milind, at the top and got going from the start. Milind couldn't capitalize and was out pulling one. Rohit Shah also departed cheaply cutting straight to the point fielder. Then Nikhil came to the crease and along with Ravindra they batted very sensibly. Picking up cheeky fours, intentionally playing in the third man and fine leg areas, they frustrated the bowling and piled on some quick runs to keep the asking rate down at all times. When Ravindra departed late after compiling a good 45 against his name, the target wasn't that far, and soon enough Nikhil who remained unbeaten on 31 along with Vijay ensured that InfoCepts had romped home by 6 wickets. Also, by scoring at a great run rate of 8.9, InfoCeptains also took a bonus point in the victory ensuring a place in the Quarter finals.
Ravindra was the man of the match for his 45 valuable runs. A notable mention must fittingly go for Rahul Ganguly who showed niche of sportsman spirit, went out of his way to set an example for teams to learn and follow by shaking hand and apologizing for a good banter off field. Seldom, you see, such bigheartedness on a cricket field these days, which has no longer remained a gentleman's game. We are proud to play the game in the spirit as it was meant to be in the first place. We, the InfoCeptians, carry the flame of sporting spirit, glowing bright and high. Cheers for Team InfoCepts.
Jai Ho !
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