Holders Krishna win thrilling opener against Marsa

Last Saturday, the Winter League started with a bang when holders Krishna faced Marsa.

Krishna batted first. Opening the batting was Nowell Khosla and John Grima. Grima was first out in a partnership of 80 runs in which he made 23. Chris Naudi was next in and next out making four runs.

Andy Naudi was next in and remained not out with 22 runs including two fours.

Khosla made a fine 70 runs including six fours (four were in consecutive balls) and two sixes. He was also dropped three times, once under 20 runs and two more times before he made 50.

Pierre Naudi was run out after he had made three runs, while Kevin Krishna was also run out for one. Adam Krishna was the other not out batsman with no runs.

The Krishna team totaled 136 runs with extras. For Marsa, Mike Caruana was the main wicket taker with two and Ronnie Sacco took one.

In reply, Angelo Spiteri opened the batting and made 29 runs before being run out. Sarfraz Ali also opened but only managed to score eight before he was caught.

Mark G. Sacco scored 18 runs as did Javed Shah. Caruana, who had been at the crease after the first wicket had fallen, was now with Dave Newton facing the last over and needing eight runs to win.

Newton, facing first ball, procured a single. In the second ball, Caruana clipped two runs before hitting three with the third ball.

Marsa now needed one run to tie the game and two to win from three balls to be bowled.

On the fourth ball, Newton was stumped and Ronnie Sacco came on.

Caruana and Sacco went for a quick run on the fifth ball which saw Caruana run out for 49 runs. Darren Grech entered the fray to try and tackle the last ball of the innings.

Khosla bowled a great yorker and Grech was bowled. The Krishna players were ecstatic with the one-run win.

Krishna received eight points for the win while Marsa took just one.

Next Saturday, Marsa take on Melita at noon. In the morning, the nursery will take place from 9.30 till 11.30 a.m.