*T20 Final* Rabid Wolves v Masters XI (Commentary)

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Welcome to the Cricket Web Oval, where Rabid Wolves will play Masters XI for the inaugural CW Twenty20 Cup. The heavily favoured West Robbham Rabid Wolves cruised through the early rounds of the tournament, only to stumble late and book their semi-final spot with a last day win. They then beat Fardingham ****atoos convincingly to secure a Champions League spot and enter the final two.

Masters XI have had a much different route. They struggled to look competitive at all early on, then a move to the top of the innings by Brian Lara produced a string of results that saw the team sneak into the semi-final and then sneak past a strong East Robbham outfit. Now the surprise finalists look to rain on the CWLand parade and secure the first ever T20 Cup as a visiting team.

Earlier today Kev Gough won the toss and chose to bowl first.

 

[Majin]

Oh snap, happy I have to pull an allnighter now. Let's do this.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

0.1 Gough to Klusener, 0 runs, Outside offstump and left alone.
0.2 Gough to Klusener, 2 runs, The on-drive but not quite timed and the fielder tracked it down. 2 runs.
0.3 Gough to Klusener, 0 runs, Defended watchfully back down the track. 
0.4 Gough to Klusener, 0 runs, A bit of swing and left alone watchfully.
0.5 Gough to Klusener, 2 runs, Turned behind square for 2 runs.
0.6 Gough to Klusener, 0 runs, Defended watchfully again, back to the bowler.
	
[b]End of over 1 (4 runs) - Masters XI 4/0
L Klusener 4* (6b)	KJ Gough 1-0-4-0
BC Lara 0* (0b)[/B]

1.1 Raghav to Lara, FOUR, The captain wastes no time to get going. A thunderous pull shot to dispatch that short ball to the midwicket fence. The first Masters XI boundary.
1.2 Raghav to Lara, 2 runs, Played through the covers but not timed perfectly. They got 2 easily.
1.3 Raghav to Lara, OUT, That was spectacular by Rai! He had to dive full stretch to save the ball after a fierce drive by Lara. Then he got to his knees and fired down the stumps at the bowler's end, seemingly all in one motion. Brilliance!

[I]	BC Lara		run out (Rai)	6 (3)
	Partnership 10 (L Klusener 4, BC Lara 6)
	Masters XI 10/1 (1.3 overs)[/I]

Leftie Klusener is on strike...
1.4 Raghav to Klusener, 1 run, Pushed to long leg for 1.
1.5 Raghav to Patel, 0 runs, Defended watchfully.
1.6 Raghav to Patel, 1 run, Tucked to long leg for a single.

[b]End of over 2 (8 runs) - Masters XI 12/1
L Klusener 5* (7b)	SV Raghav 1-0-8-0
SR Patel 1* (2b)[/B]

2.1 Gough to Patel, 0 runs, A good length and a straight bat from Patel.
2.2 Gough to Patel, 0 runs, Hard hit, but straight to the cover fielder.
2.3 Gough to Patel, 2 runs, Turned off the hips and the fielder has to run around, so they scamper back for a second run.
2.4 Gough to Patel, 0 runs, Yorker! Superbly kept out by Patel. Good eye.
2.5 Gough to Patel, 1 run, Tucked off the hip for a run.
2.6 Gough to Klusener, 1 run, Driven hard to mid-off where the fielder half-stopped the ball. They managed to get a single with the slight misfield.

[b]End of over 3 (4 runs) - Masters XI 16/1
L Klusener 6* (8b)	KJ Gough 2-0-8-0
SR Patel 4* (7b)[/B]

And the rotation has begun. Gough calls Pollard to the bowling crease in place of Raghav...
3.1 Pollard to Klusener, OUT, It had to happen. Captain Gough continues his hot streak of big calls. Pollard does the trick with his first ball. That was full and straighted, and Klusener somehow managed to play around it. Bizarre dismissal.

[I]	L Klusener	lbw b Pollard	6 (9)
	Partnership 6 (L Klusener 2, SR Patel 4)
	Masters XI 16/2 (3.1 overs)[/I]

3.2 Pollard to Benkenstein, 2 runs, A bit of bounce and it took the edge and flew past slip. Third man got around to cut it off and save 2 runs.
3.3 Pollard to Benkenstein, 0 runs, Solid forward defensive.
3.4 Pollard to Benkenstein, 1 run, Nice late deflection to third man for a single. Good sharp fielding.
3.5 Pollard to Patel, 0 runs, Defended off the back foot.
3.6 Pollard to Patel, FOUR, Short and wide and cut away with authority! A release of pressure there.

[b]End of over 4 (7 runs) - Masters XI 23/2
SR Patel 8* (9b)	KA Pollard 1-0-7-1
DM Benkenstein 3* (3b)[/B]

More rotation now as Raghav is back to change ends and replace his skipper.
4.1 Raghav to Benkenstein, 1 bye, That zipped back in between bat and pad and eluded the wicketkeeper. Mørk recovered quickly though, and they just got the 1 run.
4.2 Raghav to Patel, OUT, Another one bites the dust! Masters XI in dire straits now and Rabid Wolves on a roll. Another change works wonders for Gough. Just a bit of seam movement outside offstump and Patel pushed at it with little intent and less certainty.

[I]	SR Patel	c Mørk b Raghav		8 (10)
	Partnership 8 (SR Patel 4, DM Benkenstein 3)
	Masters XI 24/3 (4.2 overs)[/I]

4.3 Raghav to Kemp, 1 run, Played to third man for a single. He's off the mark.
4.4 Raghav to Benkenstein, FOUR, Short and pulled away! The ball beat the fielder in the deep. Great shot!
4.5 Raghav to Benkenstein, BEATEN!, He went for the pull shot again but it kept a bit low and passed under the bat.
4.6 Raghav to Benkenstein, 1 run, Pushed to long leg for 1.

[b]End of over 5 (7 runs) - Masters XI 30/3
DM Benkenstein 8* (7b)		SV Raghav 2-0-14-1
JM Kemp 1* (1b)[/B]

 

[Majin]

Hahaha what a start. Love everything about it, beautiful bowling going on, top captaincy and pat myself on the back for removing the danger man Lara in that fashion. Time to sink the claws in even further.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

5.1 Pollard to Benkenstein, 2 runs, The straight drive played well. The long-off fielder ran around nicely to cut it off.
5.2 Pollard to Benkenstein, 2 runs, Inside edge! It beat legstump and short fine leg had to chase back for it. He kept it to two runs. Very good work.
5.3 Pollard to Benkenstein, BEATEN!, Benkenstein tried to get too cute there and a bit of bounce took the ball over his late cut attempt.
5.4 Pollard to Benkenstein, 1 run, He hit it that time, but just got the single for it.
5.5 Pollard to Kemp, 0 runs, Driven hard to short extra cover. No chance of a run.
5.6 Pollard to Kemp, 2 runs, Over the top, but not timed! They just get the two runs. That was close to Raghav at mid-on.

[b]End of over 6 (7 runs) - Masters XI 37/3
DM Benkenstein 13* (11b)	KA Pollard 2-0-14-1
JM Kemp 3* (3b)[/B]

Spin into action in the form of Richards. He'll look to continue his good work in this competition so far.
6.1 Richards to Benkenstein, 0 runs, Lovely length to start and blocked back to the bowler.
6.2 Richards to Benkenstein, OUT, A beauty of a catch! The fielding from Rabid Wolves continues to impress. They really seem up for this today. DeSilva at mid-off had to fling himself to his high right to pull down a stunning one-handed catch. Benkenstein is crucially on his way and for the third time today Gough's bowling change is instantly rewarded.

[I]	DM Benkenstein	c DeSilva b Richards	13 (13)
	Partnership 13 (DM Benkenstein 10, JM Kemp 3)
	Masters XI 37/4 (6.2 overs)[/I]

6.3 Richards to Hinds, OUT, Two in two! Spectacular stuff! Richards tossed it up and Hinds pushed forward to defend. His back foot slipped out of the crease and Mørk pulled off a snappy stumping. Very solid glovework there to drive Rabid Wolves forward. They're ecstatic!

[I]	WW Hinds	st Mørk b Richards	0 (1)
	Partnership 0 (JM Kemp 0, WW Hinds 0)
	Masters XI 37/5 (6.3 overs)[/I]

Richards is on a hat-trick and he's rewarded with an amazing attacking field for a Twenty20 match. A short leg, legslip, orthodox slip and bat-pad in place. Matt Prior has not been in great form and he will face...
6.4 Richards to Prior, BEATEN!, Some flight and a bit of turn to beat the forward prod.
6.5 Richards to Prior, HOWZAT?!, Prior went for the sweep shot and was hit on the pad. It was outside offstump, however, so rightly given not out.
6.6 Richards to Prior, 1 run, He hit the sweep that time, picking up a single to open his account.
What an over that was! Just the 1 run and 2 wickets and Rabid Wolves on fire!

[b]End of over 7 (1 run) - Masters XI 38/5
JM Kemp 3* (3b)		DP Richards 1-0-1-2
MJ Prior 1* (3b)[/B]

More spin here following the impact of Richards. Bennett is the new man. Will he bowl fast and flat in these circumstances?
7.1 Bennett to Prior, 2 runs, Flat and quick and a deft late cut to pick up 2.
7.2 Bennett to Prior, 1 run, Short this time and cut away, but the fielder didn't have to move on the boundary.
7.3 Bennett to Kemp, 0 runs, Pushed back to the bowler.
7.5 Bennett to Kemp, FOUR, Flat and into the legs and Kemp flicked it over midwicket and picked the gap for 4 runs.
7.4 Bennett to Kemp, 1 run, Driven to long-off for 1.
7.6 Bennett to Prior, 1 run, A bit of flight and pushed down to long-off for a run.

[b]End of over 8 (9 runs) - Masters XI 47/5
JM Kemp 8* (6b)		SA Bennett 1-0-9-0
MJ Prior 5* (6b)[/B]

8.1 Richards to Prior, 1 run, On the legs and flicked to short fine leg for a quick single.
8.2 Richards to Kemp, 0 runs, Beaten in the flight and he could only hit the ball back to the bowler.
8.3 Richards to Kemp, 0 runs, Bang on target again and he tried to drive to long-off, but Richards fielded well full-stretch to his left.
8.4 Richards to Kemp, BEATEN!, He went for the big slog sweep but missed the ball entirely. Good take by the 'keeper.
8.5 Richards to Kemp, 0 runs, Full and flat and pushed to short extra cover.
8.6 Richards to Kemp, 0 runs, A bit short but Kemp couldn't beat backward point with his single. No run.
Kemp taking his time here, playing Richards cautiously. The left-armer is bowling beautifully. 

[b]End of over 9 (1 run) - Masters XI 48/5
JM Kemp 8* (11b)	DP Richards 2-0-2-2
MJ Prior 6* (7b)[/B]

Legspin of a different variety now. Sam Morris into the attack. He's starting around the wicket to the right-handed Prior...
9.1 Morris to Prior, OUT, There's the genius again! Four terrific calls by Gough. He can't do anything wrong right now and Rabid Wolves are loving this. Morris pitched it on middle stump and fetched a bit of turn. Prior went back to cut but only bottom-edged it into his stumps. Poor dismissal, but a big wicket.

[I]	MJ Prior	b Morris	6 (8)
	Partnership 11 (JM Kemp 5, MJ Prior 6)
	Masters XI 48/6 (9.1 overs)[/I]

9.2 Morris to Odoyo, 0 runs, Floated into the legs. It didn't turn, but Odoyo picked out short midwicket with his flick shot.
9.3 Morris to Odoyo, 0 runs, On middle stump this time and Odoyo tried to sweep. He bottom-edged the ball into his boot and it went nowhere. No run.
9.4 Morris to Odoyo, 0 runs, Pushed to short midwicket again.
9.5 Morris to Odoyo, 1 run, He hit the sweep that time and got going with a single.
9.6 Morris to Kemp, BEATEN!, Another big hit attempted down the ground, but he missed comprehensively.
That's another excellent over of spin. Rabid Wolves tightening the screws.

[b]End of over 10 (6 runs) - Masters XI 49/6
JM Kemp 8* (12b)	SC Morris 1-0-1-1
TM Odoyo 1* (4b)[/B]

 

[Majin]

Playing the perfect game here, pretty much. Morris is invincible. Dav is a legend.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

10.1 Richards to Odoyo, FOUR, Flighted and BANG! Odoyo lofted it back down the ground for a boundary.
10.2 Richards to Odoyo, 1 run, Short and cut to the sweeper on the point boundary. 
10.3 Richards to Kemp, 0 runs, Fuller and pushed back to Richards.
10.4 Richards to Kemp, FOUR, Down the track and BANG! He took up the challenge and cleared Gough at mid-on, and the ball raced away for 4.
10.5 Richards to Kemp, 1 run, Flighted and driven to long-off.
10.6 Richards to Odoyo, 1 bye, A bit of turn to beat the bat and the 'keeper. They scrambled through for 1.
The batsmen started to size up Richards here. How long will Gough trust his spinners?

[b]End of over 11 (11 runs) - Masters XI 60/6
JM Kemp 13* (15b)	DP Richards 3-0-12-2
TM Odoyo 6* (7b)[/B]

At least for another over, it seems. Here's Morris again...
11.1 Morris to Odoyo, OUT, Morris strikes with his first ball again! He's got 2 now! Pitched outside legstump and spinning into the pads, and Odoyo flicked it into the lap of DeSilva at short midwicket. That's a much easier catch than the first one. Rabid Wolves strike again!

[I]	TM Odoyo	c DeSilva b Morris	6 (8)
	Partnership 12 (JM Kemp 5, TM Odoyo 6)
	Masters XI 60/7 (11.1 overs)[/I]

The vice-captain comes to the crease with his team in desperate trouble. Rabid Wolves are running away with this game so far.
11.2 Morris to Warne, 0 runs, A leading edge that didn't carry to the bowler. No run.
11.3 Morris to Warne, 2 runs, Flicked away. Great chase by DeSilva and he saved 2 runs there.
11.4 Morris to Warne, FOUR, Way too short there. A long hop that Warne dispatched past short fine leg and it was a welcome boundary.
Morris over the wicket...
11.5 Morris to Warne, 1 run, Flat on offstump and driven to long-on.
11.6 Morris to Kemp, 1 run, Late cut to the right of short third man for a quick run.

[b]End of over 12 (8 runs) - Masters XI 68/7
JM Kemp 14* (16b)	SC Morris 2-0-9-2
SK Warne 7* (4b)[/B]

Richards is out of the attack for the return of Sean Bennett. Flight traded for flat spin.
12.1 Bennett to Kemp, 2 runs, Swept away for 2.
12.2 Bennett to Kemp, 0 runs, He tried the sweep again but it went straight to short fine leg and they didn't risk the run.
12.3 Bennett to Kemp, 0 runs, Hard hit, but he picked out short extra cover.
12.4 Bennett to Kemp, 1 run, A single to short third man.
12.5 Bennett to Warne, 0 runs, Flat and into the toes and Warne had to block it out.
12.6 Bennett to Warne, 0 runs, Even quicker this time - 68mph - and blocked back to Bennett.
A good comeback over by Bennett. Defensive bowling, but it did the trick in keeping it tight.

[b]End of over 13 (3 runs) - Masters XI 71/7
JM Kemp 17* (20b)	SA Bennett 2-0-12-0
SK Warne 7* (6b)[/B]

13.1 Morris to Kemp, 1 run, Swept away for a single.
13.2 Morris to Warne, 0 runs, On offstump and defended.
13.3 Morris to Warne, 1 run, Pushed to short third man for 1.
13.4 Morris to Kemp, 0 runs, Flat and straight and blocked.
13.5 Morris to Kemp, 0 runs, He picked out mid-on with a firm drive. They can't score.
13.6 Morris to Kemp, 0 runs, Long hop, but he hit it straight to mid-on again. He's kicking himself.
Masters XI continue to labour. They need to make a move soon, but with 3 wickets left, they seem a bit hesitant just yet.

[b]End of over 14 (2 runs) - Masters XI 73/7
JM Kemp 18* (24b)	SC Morris 3-0-11-2
SK Warne 8* (8b)[/B]

14.1 Bennett to Warne, 1 run, Dabbed to short third man for 1.
14.2 Bennett to Kemp, 1 run, Flicked past midwicket for a single.
14.3 Bennett to Warne, 0 runs, Big drive, but well fielded by Lara at short extra cover. Pressure really on.
14.4 Bennett to Warne, 0 runs, Floated into the pads and it took a leading edge to trickle down the pitch. Warne really frustrated now.
14.5 Bennett to Warne, 1 run, Cracked away to deep extra cover, but only 1 run. The frustration continues.
14.6 Bennett to Kemp, 0 runs, Full and flat and blocked back to Bennett. Another good over ended with a dot.

[b]End of over 15 (3 runs) - Masters XI 76/7
JM Kemp 19* (26b)	SA Bennett 3-0-15-0
SK Warne 10* (12b)[/B]

 

[superkingdave]

Going Well carn the wolves

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Interesting move by Gough to take Morris out of the attack. Instead he's brought himself back on for his third over. He's looking to wrap this up quickly. 
15.1 Gough to Warne, FOUR, A loosener and swatted over backward point for four runs.
15.2 Gough to Warne, 2 runs, Straighter and full and clipped past the diving mid-on. Two runs as midwicket chased strongly.
15.3 Gough to Warne, 1 run, Pushed into the covers for a single. Good running.
15.4 Gough to Kemp, 2 runs, Pulled away, but nicely cut off in the deep. Just the 2.
15.5 Gough to Kemp, SIX, He got under that one! A much better pull shot and it sailed deep over midwicket. Shot, boy!
15.6 Gough to Kemp, SIX, Even better! Gough missed the blockhole and Kemp drove him over extra cover for a lovely flat six.
Finally some intent by the Masters! Gough has some thinking to do.

[b]End of over 16 (21 runs) - Masters XI 97/7
JM Kemp 33* (29b)	KJ Gough 3-0-29-0
SK Warne 17* (15b)[/B]

He's sticking with Bennett for his final over.
16.1 Bennett to Warne, 1 run, 
Around the wicket to Kemp...
16.2 Bennett to Kemp, 0 runs, Flat and into the pads and he couldn't get it away.
16.3 Bennett to Kemp, 0 runs, Hard hit into the ground and Bennett ran around to field the ball and stop a run.
16.4 Bennett to Kemp, 0 runs, Excellent fielding! Bennett did a great job to stop a fierce on-drive.
16.5 Bennett to Kemp, 0 runs, Pushed back to the bowler.
16.6 Bennett to Kemp, 1 run, A bit of room that time and cut away for 1.  
An excellent over by Bennett to finish. He's been huge for Rabid Wolves in these last two games. 

[b]End of over 17 (2 runs) - Masters XI 99/7
JM Kemp 34* (34b)	SA Bennett 4-0-17-0
SK Warne 18* (16b)[/B]

An expected return to spin. Richards will retun for to complete his spell.
17.1 Richards to Kemp, 0 runs, Flighted on offstump and pushed to cover. They can't score.
17.2 Richards to Kemp, BEATEN!, He eyed up midwicket but was beaten in the flight. Top stuff.
17.3 Richards to Kemp, 0 runs, Much more watchful there and pushed back to Richards.
17.4 Richards to Kemp, 1 run, BANG! But straight to the fielder at deep midwicet. Just the 1 run.
17.5 Richards to Warne, SIX, He floated that one up there and Warne gleefully accepted it. He deposited it over long-off! Six of the best!
17.6 Richards to Warne, FOUR, And he's on a roll now! Another big step down the pitch and BANG! He hit it down the ground - one bounce and four.

[b]End of over 18 (11 runs) - Masters XI 110/7
JM Kemp 35* (38b)	DP Richards 4-0-23-0
SK Warne 28* (18b)[/B]

18.1 Pollard to Kemp, FOUR, Terrible start! A full toss outside offstump, dealt with suitably to the cover boundary.
18.2 Pollard to Kemp, 2 runs, A better line, but another full toss and whipped away for 2 runs to the legside.
18.3 Pollard to Kemp, 1 bye, Oooh, that beat bat and pad, offstump and the 'keeper's gloves, standing up to the stumps. They got a bye for it.
18.4 Pollard to Warne, 0 runs, Wow. He really wound up for that one, but hit the ball powerfully to short midwicket and couldn't get a run.
18.5 Pollard to Warne, 2 runs, He beat short midwicket that time, and a misfield by Morris in the deep allowed 2 runs.
18.6 Pollard to Warne, 1 run, Pushed into the covers for a single. Good running.

[b]End of over 19 (10 runs) - Masters XI 120/7
JM Kemp 41* (41b)	KA Pollard 3-0-23-1
SK Warne 31* (21b)[/B]

Following on from his heroics of the semi-final, Raghav has been entrusted with the final over. 
19.1 Raghav to Warne, SIX, Ooooh. He missed the yorker and Warne stepped to the legside and thwacked it over cover. Six!
19.2 Raghav to Warne, SIX, And again! He just shuffled across to leg and middle a powerful cover drive. That's a super shot!
19.3 Raghav to Warne, 5 runs, Oh dear, it's coming undone for Rabid Wolves now. That was just a quick single, but Rai's direct hit deflected past Richards backing up and it raced away to split the boundary riders - 5 from the ball!
19.4 Raghav to Kemp, OUT, GONE! That's a necessary wicket after a poor start to the over. Kemp tried to get under a slower ball and Rai ran around at deep midwicket to take a handy catch. 

[I]	JM Kemp		c Rai b Raghav	41 (42)
	Partnership 77 (JM Kemp 27, SK Warne 48)
	Masters XI 137/8 (19.4 overs)[/I]

The batsmen crossed twice, so Henderson takes strike...
19.5 Raghav to Henderson, FOUR, 
19.6 Raghav to Henderson, 4 byes, 

[b]End of over 20 (25 runs) - Masters XI 145/8
SK Warne 48* (24b)	SV Raghav 3-0-35-1
T Henderson 4* (2b)[/B]

 

[superkingdave]

Boo...poor last 10 overs, last one dire...and my wickets dissapeared

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

A big finish by the Masters. They piled on 69 runs in the last 5 overs and lifted a very poor score to a very competitive one. Justin Kemp played an important hand in keeping things together, as frustrated as he appeared at times, but it was Shane Warne who stole the accolades. The vice-captain was sublime with some clean hits and a bit of a flourish. Rabid Wolves have their work cut out for them on this pitch that should turn a bit for Saqlain. 

0.1 Henderson to Scott, 0 runs, Outside offstump and left alone.
0.2 Henderson to Scott, 2 runs, He miscued the drive and it went in the air just past extra cover. They got 2 for the effort.
0.3 Henderson to Scott, OUT, Got'm with a beauty! That one bounce sharply on Scott and he could only fend it into the waiting hands of Lara at first slip. Game on!

[I]	NG Scott		c Lara b Henderson	2 (3)
	Partnership 2 (NG Scott 2, DK Rai 0)
	Rabid Wolves 2/1 (0.3 overs)[/I]

0.4 Henderson to Read, FOUR, Great start! A length ball outside offstump and he drove on the up and away for a boundary.
0.5 Henderson to Read, FOUR, Another one! Henderson dragged the ball back and Read merely rocked back and cut him away for four more.
0.6 Henderson to Read, 2 runs, Good shot past the diving midwicket. Read looks in vintage touch early on.

[b]End of over 1 (12 runs) - Rabid Wolves 12/1 (134 needed from 114 balls)
DK Rai 0* (0b)		T Henderson 1-0-12-1
BS Read 10* (3b)[/B]

1.1 Odoyo to Rai, 0 runs, Outside offstump and left alone.
1.2 Odoyo to Rai, 0 runs, Again. Same place and no shot offered.
1.3 Odoyo to Rai, 2 runs, Driven nicely, but not perfectly timed and the fielder pulled it back.
1.4 Odoyo to Rai, 0 runs, Again in the channel and left alone.
1.5 Odoyo to Rai, 2 runs, On the legs this time and flicked away for 2 runs. Again he didn't time it that well.
1.6 Odoyo to Rai, 0 runs, The ball cut back in and Rai defended it carefully.

[b]End of over 2 (4 runs) - Rabid Wolves 16/1 (130 needed from 108 balls)
DK Rai 4* (6b)		TM Odoyo 1-0-4-0
BS Read 10* (3b)[/B]

 

[Majin]

Poor cricket by us to let the masters back into it in those last overs, suppose it adds to the drama. Sean is such a gun, big match player.

 

[superkingdave]

Hmm, Morris to win it for the Wolves

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

2.1 Henderson to Read, 2 runs, Pushed past cover and they get an easy 2 runs.
2.2 Henderson to Read, 1 run, Pushed into the covers again, but the fielder cut it off and they got a run.
2.3 Henderson to Rai, 0 runs, Quick and short and that was a whisker away from his nose! He had to move quickly to get out of the way of that bouncer.
2.4 Henderson to Rai, FOUR, Short again, but this time Rai was ready for it and smacked it away to the midwicket fence.
2.5 Henderson to Rai, 1 run, Flicked to long leg for a single.
2.6 Henderson to Read, 0 runs, Defended off the back foot.

[b]End of over 3 (7 runs) - Rabid Wolves 23/1 (123 needed from 102 balls)
DK Rai 9* (9b)		T Henderson 2-0-20-1
BS Read 13* (6b)[/B]

3.1 Odoyo to Rai, 0 runs, Outside offstump and left alone.
3.2 Odoyo to Rai, 2 runs, Driven on the up and over the head of Benkenstein in the covers. 2 runs.
3.3 Odoyo to Rai, 1 run, Turned to the legside for a single.
3.4 Odoyo to Read, 1 run, Dropped into the legside and they ran a very sharp single.
3.5 Odoyo to Rai, 1 run, Late cut to third man for 1.
3.6 Odoyo to Read, 0 runs, Front foot defensive shot.

[b]End of over 4 (5 runs) - Rabid Wolves 28/1 (118 needed from 96 balls)
DK Rai 13* (13b)		TM Odoyo 2-0-9-0
BS Read 14* (7b)[/B]

Not long before spin comes into play. Saqlain is on...
4.1 Saqlain to Rai, 1 run, A firm sweep shot for a single.
4.2 Saqlain to Read, 2 runs, A nice fine paddle sweep and they picked up 2.
4.3 Saqlain to Read, SIX, Read is not going to let him settle! He charged down the pitch and got under the ball to loft it over midwicket. Top shot!
4.4 Saqlain to Read, SIX, Again! This time it's not as big, but six all the same. Read lofted it over long-on. Good eye.
4.5 Saqlain to Read, 0 runs, The doosra and picked by Read and left alone outside offstump.
4.6 Saqlain to Read, 1 run, Driven to the right of mid-off and a quick single resulted.

[b]End of over 5 (16 runs) - Rabid Wolves 44/1 (102 needed from 90 balls)
DK Rai 14* (14b)		Saqlain Mushtaq 1-0-16-0
BS Read 29* (12b)[/B]

 

[Majin]

Read taking the fight to Saqlain, top batting.

 

[superkingdave]

Carn Readie

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

5.1 Odoyo to Read, FOUR, Whoa! That hit the ropes in no time. He just picked it off a length and deposited it at long-on.
5.2 Odoyo to Read, 0 runs, Driven with some flair, but straight to mid-off.
5.3 Odoyo to Read, 2 runs, He found the gap that time, but didn't time it and it pulled up short of the rope.
5.4 Odoyo to Read, 0 runs, Short ball and he swayed out of the way of it.
5.5 Odoyo to Read, 1 run, Flicked away for a single.
5.6 Odoyo to Rai, 2 runs, Short and wide and cut away! Great fielding by the sweeper to cut it off. Kept them to 2 runs.

[b]End of over 6 (9 runs) - Rabid Wolves 53/1 (93 needed from 84 balls)
DK Rai 16* (15b)		TM Odoyo 3-0-18-0
BS Read 36* (17b)[/B]

And Saqlain's poor first over sees him replaced by Lance Klusener.
6.1 Klusener to Read, 0 runs, Pitched up and a bit of movement. Read defended it with a dead bat.
6.2 Klusener to Read, FOUR, On the legs and clipped away beautifully. Top shot, timed to perfection.
6.3 Klusener to Read, 1 run, Easy single to long leg.
6.4 Klusener to Rai, 1 run, Pushed just past the bowler and they took a quick run.
6.5 Klusener to Read, OUT, That's against the run of play. Read just played a nothing shot and gave a healthy edge to Prior behind the stumps. Some life in the game, perhaps?

[I]	BS Read		c Prior b Klusener	41 (21)
	Partnership 57 (DK Rai 16, BS Read 41)
	Rabid Wolves 59/2 (6.5 overs)[/I]

6.6 Klusener to Mørk, 4 legbyes, A yorker fired into the toes and Mørk missed his flick shot. The ball raced away to the boundary for legbyes.

[b]End of over 7 (10 runs) - Rabid Wolves 63/2 (83 needed from 78 balls)
DK Rai 17* (16b)	L Klusener 1-0-6-1
H Mørk 0* (1b)[/B]

Warne replaces Odoyo...
7.1 Warne to Rai, 2 runs, Swept square enough to get 2 runs.
7.2 Warne to Rai, 2 runs, Another one. He's giving the fielder a workout on the boundary. That's two in a row.
7.3 Warne to Rai, 1 run, Dabbed to short third man for a stolen run.
7.4 Warne to Mørk, 2 runs, Flicked past short midwicket and pressured the fielder into a misfield. They got a second run for it.
7.5 Warne to Mørk, 1 run, Flighted and driven to long-off for 1.
7.6 Warne to Rai, FOUR, Another top shot! Rai played the reverse sweep perfectly and it cleared backward point and raced away to the boundary. Warne is not amused.

[b]End of over 8 (12 runs) - Rabid Wolves 75/2 (71 needed from 72 balls)
DK Rai 26* (20b)	SK Warne 1-0-12-0
H Mørk 3* (3b)[/B]

8.1 Klusener to Mørk, SIX, There he goes! He sensed an opportunity to take control of this innings and clobbered a low full toss over midwicket for six!
8.2 Klusener to Mørk, FOUR, Deft touch that time! Another full toss, outside offstump and guided down to third man for four more.
8.3 Klusener to Mørk, 1 legbye, Fired into the pads and he couldn't make contact. They just got a single legbye for it.
8.4 Klusener to Rai, 0 runs, Outside offstump and left alone.
8.5 Klusener to Rai, 0 runs, On offstump and defended.
8.6 Klusener to Rai, 0 runs, Good forward defensive to close out the over. Rabid Wolves in control.

[b]End of over 9 (11 runs) - Rabid Wolves 86/2 (60 needed from 66 balls)
DK Rai 26* (23b)	L Klusener 2-0-16-1
H Mørk 13* (6b)[/B]

The required rate is down under 7 now and Masters XI need something special to happen very quickly. In the search for wickets, Henderson is back...
9.1 Henderson to Mørk, GONE!, A lifeline for the Masters! Mørk tried for the pull shot and miscued it badly. The ball just floated to Klusener at midwicket for an easy catch.

[I]	H Mørk	c Klusener b Henderson	13 (7)
	Partnership 27 (DK Rai 9, H Mørk 13)
	Rabid Wolves 86/3 (9.1 overs)[/I]

9.2 Henderson to DeSilva, WIDE, That was way down the legside. Good take by Prior.
9.2 Henderosn to DeSilva, 0 runs, Bang on target and blocked.
9.3 Henderson to DeSilva, 2 runs, Pushed past backward point and great running for 2 runs.
9.4 Henderson to DeSilva, 1 run, Clipped away behind square for 1.
9.5 Henderson to Rai, 0 runs, On target and defended.
9.6 Henderson to Rai, 0 runs, Outside offstump and left alone. Not taking any undue risks.

[b]End of over 10 (4 runs) - Rabid Wolves 90/3 (56 needed from 60 balls)
DK Rai 26* (25b)	T Henderson 3-0-24-2
MW DeSilva 3* (3b)[/B]

 

[superkingdave]

Morris still to come, Bennett at 8... should be a cruise.

 

[Majin]

Hahaha reverse sweeping Shane Warne, love that.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

10.1 Klusener to DeSilva, 2 runs, He played that soft hands into the legside and set off hard for the first, the turned and ran for a second. The fielder looks bewildered. He's not sure how they managed to turn 2 there.
10.2 Klusener to DeSilva, 0 runs, Played away from the body and fielded at backward point.
10.3 Klusener to DeSilva, 1 run, Driven to long-on for a run.
10.4 Klusener to Rai, noball, FOUR, Far too wide and slashed over cover for a boundary. A noball too, so it's a free hit...
10.5 Klusener to Rai, 3 runs, Full and Rai clipped that ball fine and the fielder did an excellent job to cut it off on the boundary. Some quick running resulted in 3 runs.
10.5 Klusener to DeSilva, OUT, Ooooh, do we have a contest here? DeSilva returns for 6. He drove uppishly and Lara took a good catch at short extra cover.

[I]	MW DeSilva	c Lara b Klusener	6 (7)
	Partnership 15 (DK Rai 7, MW DeSilva 6)
	Rabid Wolves 101/4 (10.5 overs)[/I]

And here's the man of the moment, Sam Morris...
10.6 Klusener to Morris, 3 runs, Great start for the young man! Lara had just pulled midwicket into the circle and he flicked the ball past him. They ran hard and managed to get a third.

[b]End of over 11 (14 runs) - Rabid Wolves 104/4 (42 needed from 54 balls)
DK Rai 33* (27b)	L Klusener 3-0-30-2
SC Morris 3* (1b)[/B]