MacGregor Mystics v Gujji Lions
Warehouse Winter 2021
Round 1 Sunday A1
2 May 2021 at Ron Field Oval
The weather was not the Mystics' friend in the opening match of the season. A strong Gujji Lions outfit took advantage of a toss in their favour and were rarely in trouble during the day.
With 24 minutes lost at the start of play and a further 30 minutes after the 9th over, the match was reduced to 42 overs per side.
The wet and overcast conditions had the ball zipping around and the Mystics in trouble at 4/41 after 16 overs.
Shayan Nekakhtar and Shenaz Bhangu then dug in, adding 77 in a defiant 5th wicket partnership which steered the Mystics to an unlikely 140 run total.
There was no doubt that conditions were improving all the time, but this didn't stop evergreen Allauddin Mohammed from coaxing a loose shot from one opener to have him caught by Irfan Ahmad Cheema in the 6th over; Gujji 1/8.
Unfortunately, the other opener, having been dropped twice in the same over off Al, went on to blast a quick-fire 30 before coming unstuck by some clever bowling by Cheema, caught by Gurlal Singh.
The next partnership consolidated for Gujji adding 55 from just 69 balls. Once again Mystics' hands failed them with several catches going to ground.
There was some joy for the Mystics as wickets fell to Al, Gurpreet (2) and Saddam in the final overs. Khaleel took a couple of well-judged outfield catches, Sami grabbed a beauty in the outfield and Channa nabbed a skied top-edge at the wicket.
Hopefully, we will see dry conditions next week for the opening round of T20 matches.
