by Dyon Ravello

Harlene Singh usually opens the bowling for Victory in the Eastern American Power 40 competition, but last Sunday in the semifinal against Arsenal, he was regulated to first change. Tahir Khan got the timber rolling, removing NYPD alum Hasib. Navjot Singh was replaced by his namesake Harlene after three over with immediate success as Harlene scattered stumps in his first over. Harlene removed Arsenal captain Ali Alvi and Masood both leg before to strike three wickets in as many overs. At the other end swing bowler Khan induced the edge for Kabir to hold on to a catch at the wicket.

Incidentally Harlene was replaced with Navjot and Gary Cheema both failing to make an impact. Harlene returned to effect a run out at the bowlers end as he accounted for another scalp. Arsenal struggled to build partnership till the 9th wicket pair, with Harlene striking his first five wicket haul. Ibra Adnan batting at eleven due to tardiness struck fear into the Victory bowling hitting three towering sixes, taking a liking to Rohit Kwatra who was hit yards beyond the ropes for consecutive maximums. Adnan was left stranded on 26 not out, with Harlene scalping 5/35 and Tahir Khan 2/19 Arsenal posting a disappointing 121 in 25.3 overs.

Victory needing a mere 3.05 runs per over were in the driver’s, with their game to lose. Opener Charan played some streaky stroke by ironically he outlasted, Jasdeep, Rohit, and Navjot. Adnan followed up his cameo with the bat as he accounted for Rohit bowled, Charan leg before and Navjot caught. Nipun and Kabir anchored the innings fending off testing spells from Adnan and Masood. Nipun rallied to score 41 not out, with Kabir consolidating for 18, in an unbeaten fifth wicket stand. Victory completing a six wicket win to reach the EACA Division B 2012 final. Falcons defeated All Stars in the second semifinal to advance to meet Victory in Sunday 9th Final.