Garg's geezers lose to Stockport in Cup Semi-Final

Good wicket, good weather, important fixture for both teams. What more could you want?

The Timperley CC Captain Garg called correctly and decided to bat. Openers Garg and Bhatti seemed a little hesitant at first against Singh and Perry and could not escape the shackles quickly. Bhatti was first to go, caught for 7, followed by Garg to a very sharp caught & bowled by Singh for 8. Mishra quickly followed, strangled down the leg side for 1 and it was 15 for 3.

Roy & Usman had a rebuilding exercise to do and this they achieved with a partnership worth 70 over the next 7 overs. Both hit some big classic shots and it was good to see Usman recover some form after recent lean times. Roy was then bowled by Ullah for a well played 33 off 24 balls. Bhasker was next in but could not repeat his clean striking of last weekend and was caught spooning to deep point for 11. Khan followed by Chichani nurdled it around as Usman batted to 61 before tamely offering a catch. A key moment. He was replaced by Anand (but not for long) and then Shukla came to the crease. He boomed a rapid fire 28 (three fours and one six) off 12 balls to leave Timperley closed on 176 for 9, Khan 12 not out. A seemingly strong position at the mid point.

Stockport also got off to a slow start with Perry caught behind for 4 off Mishra and then Singh was sharply run out for 13. Ali lofted a catch into the deep cover area and was well caught by Anand for 2 off Mishra to leave Stockport at 26 for 3 off 6 overs. The left handed Iqbal and the right handed Ullah then started just batting in a manner that would eventually win them the match. Iqbal watched from the other end as Ullah smashed his way to a 61 ball not out ton containing eight sixes and four fours whilst he himself scored 38 not out off 33 balls including two sixes and two fours. None of the Timperley bowlers could slow the Stockport run rate enough to make the difference and Stockport won by 7 wickets off the penultimate ball.

The team will no doubt look back and wonder how they lost the game and several dropped catches did not help but another key element was a dozen wides/no balls served up, that in conjunction with runs taken off the extra deliveries most probably cost 20 runs.

An opportunity missed.