Northern Boom 199/3, A Hampshire 1-20, P Fernando 1-37
Karori Wildcats 203/5, A Hampshire 92 (52), B Stonnell 27* (31)
This was a table-topping clash crucially culminating on the penultimate ball. Also a 10 runs-per-over chase anchored by Alex and Stonnell’s 128 run partnership. You had to be there. But if you weren’t, here’s some word-things about it: A sun-scorched Ngatitoa Domain provided the backdrop to a 400-run T20 match. The hosts, Northern Boom, were sent into bat and hit the high-tempo button immediately.
Our first breakthrough came in the fifth over when Alex took a high, boundary chance. The Boom were on 56. Although the Boom kept scoring at about 10 RPO, it would have been much more if not for Spin King Davies. Evan’s four overs for 19 tightened the screws in the key middle-overs. Some said it was history’s best social T20 spin spell. Never far from the action, Alex again featured in all three dismissals by taking another boundary chance from ring-in Peter, and then bowling a guy in the final over. 200 seemed gettable, and the Cats seemed excitable. Will and Adam burst forth into runs and didn’t die wondering. Three consecutive fours followed by his wicket saw Will depart with 12 (4) at the end of the first.
Adam racked up a quick 18 (15) before being caught with the Wildcats on 38 in the fifth over. This brought Stonnell out to join Alex. They hung around for a while. By picking the bad balls, not letting the dots mount-up, and turning over the strike they powered through the innings at the required rate. Alex got 50 off 31 balls, smashing it through long-off.
Alex was finally dismissed with our score 166 after 16.3. His innings featured 10 fours and 3 sixes. This brought Couper to the crease. He went huge with 13 from his first 5 balls, taking us to 181 after 18. He left shortly after and Tim entered the fray. Stonnell and Tim then put their foot down, each collecting boundaries in quick-succession. Stonnell smashed one deep over long-on to set us up with 5 runs needed off the last over. Stuff then got tense. A few balls in the Boom took a stunning dive catch to dismiss Tim.
Needing 4 runs from 3 balls, Nando and Stonnell scampered through for a few byes, leg byes, and some no-ball leg byes. The final run came on the second to last ball, when Ben was struck on his ‘lat’ and the ball ran away past the keeper for 4, and the Cats for the win! Oh, and we only had 10 players too…
Although we don’t always select an MVP, it’s impossible to look past Alex’s huge contribution of 92 runs, 2 catches, and 1 wicket. #ItsAWayOfLife