Patong Captain Seemant Raju won the toss and decided to bat on a very damp and overcast morning. The Patong openers faced four balls, only to take shelter in the clubhouse due to a downpour. When they managed to restart the game, run scoring was difficult due to the slow outfield.
The lack of run scoring resulted in the first wicket, a run out while the batsmen were looking to increase the run rate.
With the going getting tough and Patong looking to set a decent total against the dangerous Thalang side, the Ariel route was preferred, with the Patong batsman looking to hit over the top as much as possible.
With a combination of lofty shots and opportunistic singles, Patong managed a total of 130 runs for 6 wickets. This total was always going to be competitive due to the wet conditions, but Thalang had proven match-winners in their team who were capable of reaching this total with ease. Disciplined bowling would be needed for Patong to win the match.
After the break, the Thalang openers were soon under pressure as they lost their first wicket with just 10 runs on the board. The dream start by Patong continued when the next two batsman were sent back to the clubhouse with only two more runs being added to the total.
At 12 runs for 3 wickets after 3 overs, the 130-run target was looking a long way off for Thalang. At this point, the heavens opened and both teams headed for the shelter of the clubhouse, and both captains reaching for the Duckworth-Lewis tables to see where they stood after the rain delay.
After some frantic mopping up of the wicket, the teams took the field once more. Thalang, fully aware that they were behind on the run rate and if the game was abandoned due to rain, would lose, started at a fast pace, looking to take every single and attack at every opportunity.
The Patong fielders rose to the challenge, running out two batsmen in quick succession. With the score at 53 for 5 wickets, the heavens opened again and this time, it was obvious that play could not continue. A spirited effort by the Thalang team to increase their run rate was unsuccessful, falling just 5 runs short on Duckworth-Lewis.
Patong were crowned Outrigger T20 champions after a few seasons missing out in the finals.
There will be a few weeks break in the Phuket cricket season while touring teams visit the island to play at the Alan Cooke Ground. These teams include the Bangkok British Club, ANZA Champs, Pattaya Cricket Club and long Singapore Cricket Club. More information will be available on these tours in the coming weeks.
The regular 40-over cricket league will commence in December.
– David Thomas
For more information about cricket in Phuket, visit PhuketCricket.com or the “Phuket Cricket Group” Facebook page. New players of all ability are welcome, as are spectators.