SINGAPORE clinched 5th position in the World Cricket League Division 5 tournament in Jersey with a stunning 15-run win over Bostswana on 31 May 2008.
Asked to bat first, Singapore found the conditions difficult to negotiate. Only 3 batsmen – Openers Narender Reddy (31) and Chetan Suryawanshi (15) and No.10 Shoib Razak (11) reached double figures on a treacherous surface that saw the ball slowing down, popping up and swinging unpredictably as Singapore were restricted to 199 in 42.1 of the allotted 50 overs.
The bowlers then fought back to push Botswana back after they threatened to run past the Republic’s total with medium-pacer Shoib Razak striking at the vita times to register brilliant figures of 9-2-24-4 and earn the Man-of-the-Match award. He was supported by the ever-dependant Anish Param, who finished with 8-1-21-2 to ensure that he took at least a wicket in each of Singapore’s matches as Botswana were dismissed for 104 in 37 overs..
Reddy top-scored with 31 for Singapore and his four boundaries were among the 10 which Singapore managed with Suryawanshi hitting three of those. “We could not get a partnership going,’’ said coach M. Venkataramana. “Some loose shots put us in this difficult spot. But we fought back, showing that we apply ourselves properly in tight situations.”
Said team manager Mahmood Gaznavi: “This team is a magnificent lot. They never gave up in every area. Whenever they fell short, they worked hard to remedy the situation. Even though they made only 119, which was always going to be a difficult total to defend, they went in to field positively. Skipper Chaminda Ruwan is an asset because he knows what to do in different situations.
“Throughout the tournament, the players have rallied behind him and they are a credit to the country. Everyone who has been here has been congratulating us for the fantastic cricket we have played. People felt really sorry that we did not advance further, especially after we beat Afghanistan and were denied full points against the lowest ranked team the Bahamas.
“Still, that is the way it happened but each player can walk tall and pat himself on the back. They were down to play each and every day since the tournament started on 23 May 2008 because the inclement weather meant there were no rest days. But they carried their tired legs and minds with determination.”
Brief scores : Singapore 119 in 42.1 overs (Narender Reddy 31, Chetan Suryawanshi 15, Shoib Razak 11) Botswana 104 in 37 overs (Shoib Razak 4-24, Anish Param 2-21, Christopher Janik 1-7, Narender Reddy 1-10). Full Scorecard
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