Match Report: Düsseldorf Blackcaps vs Rheinland Riders Cricket Club

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If Saturday (01.04.2017) was a good outcome for Dusseldorf Blackcaps, Sunday was a reality check. Blackcaps hosted its second friendly of the season against Rheinland Riders Cricket Club (RRCC) but unfortunately were outplayed by 42 runs in the 40-overs game.

RRCC won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Vikram and Bryan gave RRCC a brisk start and put up a solid opening stand before Venkat provided the breakthrough off the first ball of his spell in the 16th over, trapping Vikram in front. The Blackcaps pulled things back in the middle overs, thanks to some tight bowling by the spinners and picked up a couple of quick wickets in the process. However, some sloppy fielding and a few dropped catches later, RRCC finished with a massive 244/6 off 40 overs. Bryan top-scored for RRCC with 69 and was ably supported by Rehan who remained not out on 67. Given that it was a friendly and players were being rotated, Blackcaps tried as many 12 bowlers. Harman claimed two wickets in the same over towards the end of the innings. Venkat, Nitin and Sudipro got a scalp each. A significant point in the innings was when Blackcaps skipper Venkat asking Rehan to continue batting despite being adjudged run out by the umpire. The gesture was duly appreciated by RRCC. Jagadish deserves a special mention too for showing outstanding energy and commitment while fielding.

Blackcaps continued with the experiments in the batting department as well, allowing some of the new-comers to bat up the order. Unfortunately the experiment did not work out to the plan as Blackcaps lost 5 wickets inside the first 13 overs. They were further reduced to 7 down for less than 50 in the next 8 overs. Venkat and Jagadish steadied the innings thereafter before the latter retired out for 22. Venkat played a blinder scoring 80 off 64 balls before he too retired out. The Blackcaps eventually finished with 202 in their stipulated 40 overs. Nagendra was the pick of the bowlers for RRCC, picking up three wickets. Kuldeep and Baiju took two wickets apiece and Vikram chipped in with one.

All in all, it was a good game played in the right spirit, where Blackcaps were put through a stern test of character and application. The weekend, overall was also a good test of the players’ fitness levels as playing 40 over games on consecutive days is never easy. Stay tuned for more updates… this season promises more!