It was one of those matches that did not attract much attention. With almost negligible crowd, Dolphins played against Perth Scorchers under a scorching sun. But a pale-looking encounter reincarnated into one of the most spectacular matches in the history of Champions League T20 (CLT20) 2014. Varun Arora looks at the highlights of the exciting encounter.
Joel Paris – the 21-year-old missile: Dolphins came out to bat after winning the toss. The atmosphere was almost muted until Joel Paris launched the assault. Left-handed, tall, quick and aggressive bowler showed all qualities and ingredients of a lethal fast bowler. After bowling two dot balls, he was hit for a four on his third ball. And then there was a remarkable comeback. Two wickets, back to back and both hitting the top of the middle stump. Paris was remarkable throughout his spell as he bowled consistently above the 140 kmph mark with swing and seam. He went back after conceding only 21 runs and picking up two wickets in his quota of overs. He showed why he was called ‘Jewel’ Paris by the end of the match.
Khaya Zondo – the unknown assaulter: Khaya Zondo came onto bat at No 4 only in the second over of the innings. He was there to face a fight for identity against frightening pace and the crowd that refused to identify him. Zondo stood on the crease like a brave warrior fighting to save his territory from aliens. He cracked brutal cricketing shots, got runs at a steady rate and rescued Dolphins’ innings from bursting. He remained unbeaten on 63 and went back to the pavilion with huge applause from crowd at the end.
Mitchell Marsh’s blitzkrieg: Perth Scorchers needed 16 runs off the final over in the match. Justin Langer, who was sitting in the dug-out wore a doleful look on his face, predicting the worst to come. But Marsh was still there, carrying the hopes on his bulky shoulders. Marsh faced the first ball, a classical yorker, carved it away for a single. Ashton Agar came to face the next delivery, played an unconventional paddle-scoop which resulted in a catch at short fine leg. Now with 15 needed off four balls, hopes were diminishing quickly. New batsman, Turner gathered three runs off next two deliveries and got Marsh to face the last two delivers. 12 runs were left to be scored. Miracle waited. Marsh was committed to the cause. Robbie Frylinck ran in to bowl a yorker and agile Marsh stepped down the wicket and clobbered it to mid-wicket for a six. Heavy breathing all over, the Mohali stadium had come to life once again. Last ball, with six more runs needed , Abbott tried to bowl the yorker again, missed again and Marsh gathered the low full toss and hit it over long on. Mohali was stunned, victory scenes began.
(Varun Arorais a reporter with CricketCountry.com. Started as a medium-fast bowler, converted to an opening batsman but finally settled with his passion of writing about the game. His Twitter handle is @varunjgd)
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