ETA’s Zaheer upstages GAC’s Prasad

BY : SYED WASEEM AFZAL.
In a match that was dominated by individual brilliance rather than anything else, Zaheer’s 6 wicket salvo paved the way for ETA Ascon’s spirited 23 runs triumph over battling GAC, for whom Prasad sparkled with a spanking century on Friday 23rd April 2004 in the ongoing Corporate Winter Cup.

In pursuit of an uphill target of 207 from 20 overs, GAC got off to a disastrous start when they limped to 14 for 2 with Zaheer causing the damage in a lively opening spell.

A brief recovery of 32 runs for the third wicket by Prasad may have brought back some semblance of sanity but ETA Ascon struck back chaotically and reduced GAC to a treacherous 74 for 5.

With the innings in doldrums, Prasad rose to the challenge and stood tall amongst the ruins with an innings of sheer brilliance and resolute finesse. He took the bull by the horns and wrestled the initiative away from ETA Ascon by slamming 96 gritty runs for the sixth wicket stand with Sunil (23 off 17 balls).

However, just when GAC looked like spoiling the party, Zaheer ripped apart the resistance including the prized scalp of Prasad to eventually finish with remarkable figures of 6 for 24.

Ramesh (2 for 16) was the other bowler to shine as GAC ended at 183 all out in 20 overs.

Earlier, electing to bat first, ETA Ascon powered by a scintillating unbeaten blitz from one drop Ramesh kicked onto a brisk 206 for 6 in 20 overs.

The exciting pairing of Abdeen (43 off 23 balls with 4 sixes and 2 fours) and Ramesh (86 not out off 45 balls with 15 fours) laid the ingredients for the eventual proportions with a gutsy 76-run alliance for the second wicket stand.

Despite the fall of two quick wickets, ETA Ascon continued to bat stridently as Ramesh then teamed up with Ashok (40 off 20 balls with 2 fours and a six) and rattled 56 runs for the fourth wicket that virtually proved to be a telling blow.

Click Here for Brief Scorecard.

Saturday, April 24, 2004.
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