Match Report 17 Jul 11: Pretoria Parrots vs Crni Zmajevi Cricket Club [Pavilion Cup Round One]

5000 supporters came to see Pretoria's battle against Crni Zmajevi. The groundsmen prepared a flat pitch, while the weather was nice and sunny on this afternoon. Samar Ali called correctly, and the Dragons started their innings. Despite the conditions favored the batsmen, Anwar lost his wicket early, the umpire called lbw at 0.3. Another batsman departed, as Harden made a catch, Salih was quickly off pitch. What happened after that, wasn't exactly pleasing for the home side.Lostwalleti and van der Bilt's partnership quickly hit the 150 runs mark, and the score was 176/2 by the break. Crni Zmajevi continued where they left off, the 2 made 264 runs combined, as Indrasiri finally managed to take van der Bilt's wicket at 37.4. Wickets started to fall a lot quicker at this point, Lostwalleti departed at 39.4, Hodgetts followed quickly at 40.6. Next one out was Javed, then Samar Ali, who were the only one with a decent batting figure from the late order. Rebbeck took his 5th wicket at 49.5, Crni Zmajevi's innings finished with 383/8. A quite good score even on this pitch, i must add. As Pretoria started their innings, Amalean started his show. The openers were out by 2.3, and Zia took another wicket at 3.3, Amalean added 2 more, after the 10th over Pretoria was at 53/5. Amalean continued to bowl amazingly, and finished the game with a marvelous 6 wickets. Lostwalleti added the next 2, the Parrot's batting line up was up for a real test, which they failed to pass. Haider finished them off with an excellent spin at 33.6.Crni Zmajevi Cricket Club won by 239 runs.

Playing mostly their substitutes, Crni Zmajevi's manager expected a harder game. There was some quality batting from Lostwalleti and van der Bilt, the latter got 3 keeper catches too. On the bowling side, Lostwalleti excelled again, along with the man of the match, Amalean. From the Pretoria side we can't point out too many great performers this time. Rebbeck put on an excellent bowling display, and Indrasiri had some great moments too.