Two weeks ago I was assigned/appointed as Cougar’s captain. The new role is challenging and I am honored, excited and look forward to lead the team to success and remain competitive in all competitions.  
 

Cougars – Splendid Effort! We gave the league champions a run for their money.

After winning the toss we posted a decent total on the board. We started by losing 3 early wickets, Jaam and Guddu Bhai steadied the innings and soon as expected, Jaam lit the fire with an open-shouldered onslaught to inject some energy to the innings. Guddu Bhai provided a sheet-anchor and played beautifully for his half century. Things were looking good when Guddu Bhai was at the crease but soon after his suicidal run out MCC thought they could restrict Cougars to under two hundred, surprisingly their bowlers took a pounding from Cochin and I scoring eighty in last seven taking the score to two hundred and forty eight and also to send the first frissons of anxiety among the MCC players. 
 

MCC started their chase well even after some very tight bowling from Rehan. It was the controlled spin bowling from Hemani and Danish that brought the game in our favor dismissing Azam and Sushil.

Rafey and Abid regrouped to put MCC back on track. Muddassar Qadir bowled excellent 2^nd spell by first dismissing Rafey and later restricting Abid from playing freely. Abid once again was the key to MCC’s chase. Introduction of Jaam at the end overs proved vital as he was able to dismiss Abid and Mark. Cougars put up an excellent fight and showed what this team is all about. In the end MCC needing 7 in 7 with two wickets in hand got lucky to get 4 byes on the 7^th ball reducing their chase to 3 runs in the final over. It was and excellent team performance and very satisfying to see the commitment and enthusiasm among the players. Good job – Cougars! 
 

I am looking forward for our next game against Falcons and expecting that Cougars will show the same commitment as they did against MCC. 
 

See you next week! 
 
 

Amir Khan