With the resumption of the 2021-’22 season on Saturday (15 January), Hottentots Holland Cricket Club travelled to the Elfindale to take on St Augustine’s CC in the first game for the new year.
HHCC won the toss and decided to field on a green wicket. The opening bowling pair of Yusri Jabodien and Wahid Martin grabbed a wicket apiece in the powerplay, before captain Rasool Thomas took two wickets as Saints battled at the crease.
HHCC then turned to their spinners to slow down the scoring and claim wickets. Veteran Abdul Aziz Temoor (3/13) and Shameel Abels (2/12) wrapped up the hosts’ innings for a lowly 126 (all out).
In reply, HHCC lost both openers cheaply. With the score on 11/2, Naeem Rhoda (21) and Waleed Smith (33) put on a decent 55-run stand before losing their wickets in quick succession. Temoor (27*) and Yasien Jakoet (27) took the team to a bonus-point victory.
Meanwhile, the HHCC second team travelled to face Mitchell’s Plain CC in a top-of-the-table Reserve 2E League clash. The home side batted first, scoring 140 (all out) with Abdullah Arnold (5/28) delivering a sensational spell.
In reply, Fuad Behardien (76*) played an exceptional innings along with Usaamah Salie (23) and captain Irshaad Salie (20*) as HHCC romped to an eight-wicket victory and remained unbeaten.
The third team of HHCC hosted Rondebosch CC in a 3A league encounter, with the visitors batting first and scoring a mammoth 241 in 35 overs. Warren Tregonning (3 wickets) and Riyaad Oliver (2 wickets) were the pick of the bowlers.
In reply, the home side fought valiantly but fell short as Uthmaan Sha (50) and Aaqib Achmat (27) were the top scorers.
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This weekend’s fixtures: first team vs Kensington (away); second team vs St Augustine’s (home); and third team vs Primrose (away).
