Staff Writer Izyan Bashiruddin reports on Strand’s first-ever Macadam Cup victory, led by a dominant debut from Wyn Bliss.
Since KCLCC was disbanded in 2024, GKTCC has become the face of men’s cricket at King’s. Nevertheless, the Macadam Cup remains a fixture of great prestige as GKTCC arranges an internal fixture with players representing Strand and Guy’s. With a Strand team never having won this fixture, it was always going to be interesting to see how this year’s edition would play out.
First Innings
Guy’s won the toss, and they elected to bowl first. Based on last year’s encounter, this was the obvious decision as they successfully chased down a total in excess of 230+.
The extremely talented freshman Zoran Suneel, tipped to play in the first team this season, got the match underway with a splendid four through midwicket. Master’s student Patrick hit the first 6s of the day as he helped himself to 33 from just 19 deliveries.
After some elegant drives through the offside, Zoran mistimed one to midwicket. In came captain Dats, a final year economics undergraduate; he worked his way in sublime fashion to a quickfire 43 off just 20 balls, to help Strand power their way to 81/1 in the first 6 overs.
Second-year law student and BUCS captain, Neil Karnik, departed after just one ball as Guy’s captain, Nazir, claimed two wickets in two balls, with some splendid catching on display from Arman Dubb.
A costly over from Tandon, third-year medic, saw him concede 29 runs in 12 balls. At the backend of the innings, Tanay and Aarav chipped in with some late fireworks, too.
Making his debut for GKTCC in an inter-club match of great prestige was master’s student Wyn Bliss. A blissful knock, characterised by elegance and sheer class, witnessed Wyn carry the Strand innings to 256/8. He made a mammoth contribution of 92 from just 43 balls, consisting of twelve 4s and five 6s.
Second Innings
Guy’s innings started with some freebies after Ollie, a final year War Studies student, began with a no-ball. Nazir sent the free hit for six, but this joy was only short-lived. Shortly after, his innings came to an end when Ollie shattered the stumps with a searing yorker.
Guy’s entire top order struggled to gather any sustained momentum despite many batters getting starts. Dubbs, particularly renowned for his immense power and clean striking, departed with a modest strike rate of 88.
Guy’s stumbled their way to 57/2 after the powerplay, but it was not looking good for them early on.
A brief but sweet partnership between first-team colleagues, Nikhil and Akky, sparked a resurgence of hope. Eventually, Bliss, who ran the show, dismissed them both. After his four overs, he finished with 2 wickets and only went for 24 runs. Simply breathtaking.
Freshman Anay Pai held his own and did not look out of place, coming on first change after the likes of Neil and Ollie. His partnership with Wyn mounted immense pressure on Guy’s batting as they succumbed to the ever-increasing required run rate.
Scoreboard pressure does make a difference.
A late but intriguing partnership from Sid Menon, in his farewell Macadam, and Qureshi saw them conjure up hope of a miraculous comeback from a perilous scenario, but it was not to be. Qureshi finished on 30 off 18, and Menon remained unbeaten with a sterling 60 from 23 balls, laden with six 4s and five 6s.
A wonderful day of cricket that saw Strand claim their first win in the Macadam Cup. An unprecedented victory, which can be attributed to debutant Wyn Bliss, who was simply extraordinary.
A historic match, and perhaps one that marks the beginning of a new era of Macadam Cricket.
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