Two of the most well rounded sides boasting of batting and bowling quality locked horns in a big clash at Cheam CC. The Conqueror’s having finished runners up last season and looking to go the extra mile this season were up against a new look Mighty Striker’s side who had a point to prove themselves. Captain Faizan Warraich of the Conquerors won the toss and elected to bat first.

The opening bowling pair of Nauman Rafique and Ali Raza were not intimidated early on against the formidable ball striking pair of Khalique and Safwan, as the Conquerors could not really get out of the blocks with a conservative start of 8 runs in the first two overs. Just when Safwan was looking to cut loose with 2 boundaries, Nauman provided his team with a vital opening by removing Safwan by the end of the 3rd over with the score at 20-1. Nauman and Ishaq then ensured that the good work early on was capitalised well by finishing off the powerplay with hardly any damage, as the Conquerors could only manage 28 runs in their first 6 over.

With the tone set in the field and pressure having been applied by the seamers, Captain Shakir Ahmed reaped the benefits and struck two deafening blows to the Conqueror’s batting by removing Farhan and Mudassar Dogar in his first over. In serious trouble now at 40-4 after 8 overs, the Conqueror’s needed a partnership with their captain still at the crease. The lower order from here on tried their best one after the other to make some contribution, with Faizan making 25 and Hameed struggling for his 18 off 27, however Zeyan and Taha although getting starts to their innings could not kick on with scores of 12 and 15. This was largely due to Kamran Ahmed’s impactful spell of 3-26 picking up the big wickets of Faizan, Hameed and Zeyan in the middle phase and denting the MC batting innings significantly with these wickets.Usman Tahir remained not out at 11* and was looking good, however the Conquerors were shot out for a meagre 116 in 19.2 overs. A batting performance that did not reflect the batting prowess they possessed, leaving the Strikers with a chance to pick up an easy two points with a win.

The Strikers although loaded with batting stalwarts themselves decided to apply a safer approach to the total considering it was less than a run a ball from the get go. Muzamil Dogar fresh off his fantastic century in the National cup was paired alongside the remodelled Ajaz Ahmed who was slowly coming back from a serious injury, and was also in good touch with excellent performances with the bat in the national cup. Ajaz took the attack to the Conqueror’s bowlers, having raced to 27 off 14 balls, and forcing Faizan’s hand by making him bring in his ace bowler Usman Tahir into the attack. Usman as usual delivered for his side by removing Ajaz in the 4th over, and the score at 32-1. The Strikers knew very well to negotiate the threat posed by Usman, who is very capable of making any kind of total tricky to achieve with the tricks he possesses. This enabled Muhayuddin and Muzamil to take their time and wait accordingly for anything loose whilst rotating strike, much against the nature of both players who are naturally far more aggressive. Both Muzamil and Muhayuddin ensured that the Strikers could see the finish line with contributions of 30 a piece, and Muzamil falling with the score at 96 for 3 in 13.1 overs. With little left to do, the senior pair of Safeer and Faheem ensured that the remaining runs were knocked off without any further hiccups.

An excellent, professional performance by the Mighty Strikers against a strong opponent in the form of the Merciful Conquerors. The Strikers would feel pleased to have ticked off many boxes with their performance, whilst the Conqueror’s would know that they are a far stronger side than what they have displayed in their opening encounter. They will improve and come back stronger