A fine all round performance from Pattaya Cricket Club saw them easily defeat last season’s Bangkok Premier League winners Asian Stars CC by 128 runs.
ASCC won the toss on a bright and hot Sunday morning and invited PCC to bat first. New signing Debdas and Sunny looked a promising future opening combination as they countered the hostile new ball attack and then pressed on the scoring rate to record a 56 run partnership that formed the platform for a competitive first innings total.
Debdas revelled in his role as opener and went on to reach his own half century before departing caught in the covers for a well constructed 63. Pintu and Mithu strangled the middle session of the innings with their spin which extracted some alarming bounce, however the PCC captain Simon Philbrook maintained the impetus of the innings with a hard fought 59 runs before he finally succumbed to the excellent Dimple which signalled the end of the innings, PCC posting a respectable 223 all out.
It was the turn of Yasir, PCC’s other new recruit, to shine with the new ball. At times he was unplayable as he moved the ball with pace and bounce that had the early batsmen hoping around the crease. The pressure eventually paid off as Yasir removed both openers in the space of 4 balls.
Usman continued the onslaught as Dimple fended a rising delivery to cover point and ASCC were really on the back foot at 39 for 3. Taufeeq (2 for 10) bowled beautifully to exploit the unusual bounce with his left arm spin and wickets continued to fall.
Debdas was not finished, starring in a truly deserved man of the match performance. Mazhar was caught off a steepler by Simon; the next ball was edged to the keeper and the hat-trick ball was a full and straight yorker that was far too good for the dangerous Mithu. The ASCC innings finally concluded as Shan had the last man stumped and PCC won by 128 runs.
The performance represented a huge step up in standard and progress for the club who will now look forward to the start of the league season with high hopes of a top four finish and a place in the play-offs.
PCC have practice nets every Wednesday from 4 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. (when there is no weekend fixture) and all are welcome. The Club runs a 1st and 2nd team together with an over 50’s and junior team. All are welcome and encouraged to come along. Details can be found on www.pattayacricketclub.com.
