Rapchiks give Redbirds 'the Rap'

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Inspired by some strong batting and tight bowling, Rapchiks handed the Redbirds the worst loss of the tournament so far. Rapchiks dominated the proceedings from the get go and never gave an opportunity to the Redbirds to get back in the game. Rapchiks set the tone for the match in the second over of the innings when they slammed the Redbirds' bowler for 14 runs. Uma's unbeaten 24 from 20 balls and a 22 run partnership for the 7th wicket sealed the deal for Rapchiks. Uma came in to bowl only 8 deliveries and wrapped up the Redbirds after claiming 2 well deserved wickets.

The Redbirds never got off the ground while chasing a monumental score with a run rate of 6.75 per over. It almost appeared ad if the Redbirds choked as the required run rate kept increasing at a steady rate on one hand the wickets kept falling at regular intervals on the other hand. It was a dismal performance all around for the Redbirds, nothing reminiscent of their previous performances, where the bowling had fire in it and the batting had passion to it.

Rapchiks played a determined innings and dominated the Redbirds attack right from the second over. Rapchiks were able to pick up pick up the line early on and with the help of strong opening batsmen were able to amass a healthy total in the initial overs and reached 35 in just 5 overs after losing only 1 wicket. The Redbirds struck back after that taking a few back to back wickets and controlling the run flow with some disciplined bowling. At the end of 11th over, Rapchiks had made 57 for the loss of 5 wickets.

At this stage Rapchiks almost got beligerent with their batting almost hitting at will. The Redbirds could not control the nerve at this stage and along with a few extras allowed Rachiks to score 50 runs in the next 5 overs. The last overs saw some fine stroke hitting from Prasad, Uma and Ravi. Uma played an intelligent innings and made 24 from just 20 balls. The highlight of his innings was running between the wickets and two elegant boundaries. Prasad played his role by hitting a couple of back to back sixes over the deep mid-wicket boundary. Rapchiks set a target of 108 aftersome blistering late order hitting.

None of the batsmen could produce a similar performance for the Redbirds. Chasing their highest (previous chases - 75 against Peoria XI and 76 against BPUD) total so far in the tournament, the Redbirds got off to a very slow and disastrous start with the score reading 11 runs for the loss of 3 wickets at the end of 5th over. Wickets fell at regular intervals and the Redbirds never looked more diffident. Rapchiks ended the misery for the Redbirds in the 15th over as the Redbirds were able to score a mere 55 runs chasing 107.

At the end of the day Rapchiks played a very disciplined and confident game, whereas the Redbirds didn't look like they even posed any challenge. With a poor bowling performance and a dismal display of batting, the Redbirds lost their second match in a row. The Redbirds were outdone by Rapchiks in every department. Whether it was a sensible and paced display of batting and nifty running between the wickets, controlled bowling and excellent fielding (that resulted in two run-outs), the Redbirds were no match to a very pumped Rapchiks team. Uma was deservedly adjudged as Man of the Match for his fine batting performance and a late wicket burst.

The Redbirds have a very difficult task ahead of them. They face Mustangs on Sunday (July 8) and Spirits next weekend. They have to beat both these teams in order to even have a chance of moving forward in the tournament.