It was a disappointing start for Laudium 1 captain, Keegan Taylor, after he lost the toss to Brits earlier this week. After heavy rains, the winning captain of the toss was expected to choose to bowl first; as was the case with Brits.
The pitch, as a result of the moisture, was a slippery 'green mamba' that put Laudium 1's batting skills to the test.
Laudium 1 did not get off to the best start after losing last week's Centurion, Steven Mahlangu, in the second over with just 8 runs on the board.
Coming in at 3, was top scorer for the day, Ismail Yousuf. He took the attack to the bowlers on a wicket, which offered much assistance his opposition. With some brilliant talent on show, a local youngster, Zidane Joosub, offered support to Yousuf as they put up a partnership of 80 runs in just 11 overs.
Yousuf was dismissed in the 12th over for 38 runs from just 24 balls. Zidane Joosub was later dismissed for a well-played 37 from 52 balls. Captain Taylor then stabilised the innings with an excellent 37 from 49 balls. A middle-order collapse then followed and all-rounder, Shaan Hussain, stepped in at 8. With 15 overs to go, he played a sensible innings scoring 37 runs from 51 balls. This helped Laudium post a good total of 241/9.
Laudium 1's opening bowlers picked up wickets in quick succession. Om Thakker, a 16-year-old from Laudium, who also represents Northerns, helped dismiss Brits' highest run scorer with an excellent catch. Brits were 4 wickets down within 12 overs. Laudium 1 needed to now wrap it up and they called upon 1 of their strike bowlers, Shaan Hussain, who picked up 2 wickets leaving Brits 6 down. It was then time for the young Thakker to shine. Brits found it difficult to read the young, talented left-armer as he picked up 2 quick wickets leaving Brits at 87 for 8 in 20 overs. The match was then wrapped up in 23 overs with Brits scoring 99 all out.
This win puts Laudium 1 first on the log with a game in hand. They have now won 5 out of 5 all with bonus points.
by: Mohamed Carrim
One of the Laudium Senior Group cricketers in action in Brits.