HAVERFORD, Pa. - Haverford Cricket continued their fall season this past Saturday squaring off against Germantown Cricket Club. Despite strong performances batting and in the field, the Fords fell to Germantown Cricket Club in a true nail-biter losing 145/6 to 154/9.
Once again sent to field first, senior captain Gulesh Shukla and first year Mohanish Bajaj opened the bowling for the Fords. Shukla returned to his wicket-taking form this match, striking first in the fifth over. A sharp hit drive found its way straight back to Shukla, who managed to deflect the ball upwards before completing the catch.
Germantown recovered well and went on to score 68-1 after nine overs. However, the Fords would not stay silent long. First year Sidd Phatak took his maiden wicket for the college in the 10th over when a well-pitched delivery beat the batsman, who retired clean bowled. Sophomore Joshua Corbett would be the next to strike. Corbett's slower delivery tempted the batsman into a hard hit pull shot, which found its way into the safe hands of first year Deep Patel at deep square leg. The two quick wickets meant Germantown was sent into the break 78-3 after 12.
The Fords were back in control after the break. Bowling his first overs for the college, sophomore Samanyu Kurra produced a wonderful spell. giving up just 5 runs off his three overs, Kurra's was the most economical spell of the Fords' innings. In a clever tactical move, Shukla brought himself back on. His fiery pace would bowl the batsman for Shukla's second wicket of the match, while just 4 balls later Shukla would pick up his third wicket with the help of a beautiful catch by fellow Co-Captain Samuel Monks.
Bajaj and sophomore Eugene Yang would feature in the final overs of the innings. Yang would take his second wicket for the college, bowling the batsman with his deceptive swing. Bajaj would take two wickets in his final two overs, clean bowling his first scalp with his deceptive leg spin. His second wicket came thanks to first year Nathaniel Moore, whose diving catch was one of the highlights of the Fords fielding.
Chasing 154 runs, the home team appeared in trouble after two quick wickets left them 6-for-2 after two overs. Bajaj and Phatak would stabilize the innings, adding 20 runs and lasting through the eighth over. The dismissal of Bajaj would bring Shukla to the crease.
In a true captain's knock, Shukla proved to be the gem of the Fords batting. Starting cautiously, Shukla protected his wicket early in the innings, scoring just 3 off his first 11 deliveries. However, he would soon explode, ending with 71 runs off 52 deliveries, and achieving his highest score for the college.
Shukla was supported by Phatak and Kurra, who scored 8 off 28 and 14* off 28, respectively, ensuring additional wickets would not cause Shukla more pressure.
Needing just 32 off the final four overs, and then just 25 off the final three, the match was set for a dramatic finish. Shukla knew big shots were required, and having delivered the big shots so far, he charged down the wicket, looking to drive the ball for six. The shorter delivery forced Shukla to drive the ball high and close to the boundary, where—knowing the power of Shukla—Germantown had placed one of their top fielders, who safely caught the ball and sent Shukla back to the pavilion.
Despite losing their captain, the Fords fought on. Kurra's continued efforts and a quick 6 runs by Yang—who hit his first boundary for the college—brought the Fords within 9 runs of winning, just short of the finish line.
Despite the loss, Haverford demonstrated their best fielding performance of the season. In addition, they continue to show the depth of their batting lineup, having yet to be bowled out. The Fords will hope that they can build on this and turn their streak to a winning one in the remaining 5 games of the season.