
Batting first, the 3s posted a strong total of 191 for 7 from their 40 overs. Tom and Asim provided a steady start with scores of 26 and 29 respectively, putting on 57 for the second wicket and laying a handy platform in testing early conditions. Both were dismissed within a few balls of each other which brought Nidheesh and Javid to the crease. They put on a solid partnership whilst upping the rate, with Javid leading the charge with 26. When Javid fell, Nidheesh anchored the innings superbly with a fluent 59 not out from 59 balls. Skipper Mani added late impetus with an unbeaten 27 off just 16 balls, including one majestic six over mid-wicket. The innings was well-paced throughout, despite a quality spell from Fishburn, who finished with impressive figures of 3 for 15 from 8 overs, as the 3s finished 191 for 7.
In reply, Bengeo were restricted to 96 for 9, as OE’s bowlers and fielders applied relentless pressure. Tight opening spells from the De Souza brothers set the tone, and they combined as Preetham took a towering catch off Praveen at fine leg.
Asim provided one of the moments of the match with a stunning one-handed catch at square leg that halted Bengeo’s hopes of building momentum. Nidheesh then capped off a brilliant all-round performance with 4 wickets, bowling in tandem with Rob, who maintained excellent control and piled on the pressure from the other end during a crucial end of innings spell, taking 3-9 from his 7 overs.
Despite some stubborn resistance, the visitors never threatened the target, and OEs closed out a comfortable and deserved victory.
Player of the Match: Nideesh for his superb all-round performance. #comeonyoueees