Darjeeling, January 26, 2008: It was a finish, too close for comfort but the District Magistrate (DM) XI managed to pull out a sensational win in the first ever Republic Day Invitational Cricket Cup against the Darjeeling Press XI thus lifting the winner’s trophy. The weather was perfect along with the backdrop. The mighty
The crowds that had gathered at the picturesque North Point ground in Singamari were treated to a humdinger with the contest going to the final over of the match with the Darjeeling Press XI needing a singe run and the DM XI needing to see off the final two balls.
In what was an even contest Rajesh Pandey {DM} captain of the DM XI won the all important toss and decided to bat first in an alien pitch to set the Darjeeling Press XI a daunting target of 110 runs.
The DM XI started their innings cautiously but lost their first wicket in the second over of the day with the score reading sXI. After that it was a mXIture of caution and aggression for the incoming batsmen who at the end of the inning managed to set a target of 110
losing seven wickets in the process. With his hard hitting style Danny Bhutia scored 44 runs giving respectability to the total which otherwise could have restricted the DM XI in setting a low target. For the five Darjeeling Press XI pacers each of them picked up a wicket with two run outs affected by brilliant piece of fielding.
Having a stiff target ahead the Darjeeling Press XI openers went about their job collecting runs in singles in the initial overs. But after having the feel of the pitch and the conditions the openers went for their shots scoring at a brisk pace. But the first set back came with Passang Bal {DIO} being given out caught behind in the third over by the umpire when it was clearly visible that the ball had come off his elbow. The loss of his partner however did not deter Deep Gazmer from pelting the bowling to all sides of the park as well as taking cheeky singles to accumulate 56 runs, the highest in both the innings during his stay at the crease.
But with wickets falling at close intervals the Darjeeling Press XI failed to build up partnerships so crucial for an inning to survive the pressure of a huge total taking the match to the wires.
The last over raised the palpitation level of the crowd as well as the players to a swell with the score reading three runs to win off four balls of the last
over it was all to play for both the sides. However, the Darjeeling Press XI got a jolt when Gazmer at his scintillating best and playing a gem of an inning was unfortunately run out the very next bowl leaving the team needing a single run off the last two balls.
The Darjeeling Press XI finished their inning at 109 runs for the loss of five wickets, one shot of the target giving a memorable win the DM XI in the first ever cricket match between the district administration and the press of Darjeeling.
Later a group photo session took place with the winners and runners up trophy which was followed by lunch at the pavilion. The DM, winning captain, expressing his satisfaction in winning the match said that such interaction should be frequently organized for a cordial relationship between the administration and the press.
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