Inverclyde 96 all out
Mearns 3s 97 for 7
IN a low-scoring and keenly-contested match at Gourock Park, Inverclyde lost out by three wickets to Mearns 3rds, with their middle order batting collapse the main reason for the defeat.
Inverclyde’s innings had a poor start when captain Dave Cooke was run-out in the second over after a sharp return from deep third man. Scott Campbell and Mohammad Anwer batted well in a 50-run second wicket partnership until Campbell was caught at mid-on for 10 at 55 for 2 in the 16th over.
Anwer was then caught-and-bowled after a fine innings of 38 runs. His departure started the batting collapse with another four wickets falling for the addition of only four runs in five overs, Inverclyde having gone from a strong 55 for 1 after 15 overs to 59 for 7 after 20 overs.
Douglas Pilkington and Asad Naisiri recovered the innings over the next 10 overs until Naisiri was caught at mid-off for 26, with the innings closing at 96 all-out in the 32nd over.
There was a confident start to the reply until Ibarhim Haidari had Babu well caught at long off by Anwer at 25 for 1 in the 20th over. Change bowlers Naisiri and Sahil Safi continued Inverclyde’s impressive bowling attack and had early success in their spells, reducing Mearns to 46 for 5 after 20 overs, with the locals sensing a surprise victory.
Senthil was Pilkington’s second catch behind when he mistimed David Tolan’s slower ball. When Haidari bowled Abishek at 82 for 7 in the 34th over, the visitors were running out of wickets and overs. However no further wickets were to fall as Mearns passed the target in the 37th over.
Inverclyde were disappointed to lose out in this close contest with the good performance from the bowlers almost snatching victory. Tolan took 2 for 12, Haidari 2 for 34, Naisiri 2 for 27, Safi 1 for only 7 runs in 8 overs which included 5 maidens, and Anwer 0 for 18 in his tight opening eight overs, also taking 2 important catches.
Inverclyde’s next match is away to Hughenden on Sunday, while practices continue on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 pm at Gourock Park.
