Not the most memorable of debuts for Sialkot. Their top order really struggled to get going against Auckland's new-ball bowlers, who got the ball to nip around and bounce as well. Shahihd Yusuf's cameo helped them reach 130, an underwhelming score, but at least something for the bowler to try their luck with. It wasn't enough though, as each of Auckland's top four made at least 20, and ensured they got home with plenty to spare.
I like this one from Oliver: "He swept Raza Hasan for six? Well swept Kitchen."
Shoaib Malik: "I think we were one bowler short. Conditions were tough, the way our batters batted, I think 130 was a very good total. we are very excited, great opportunity for all of us. I think we could have bowled well."
Gareth Hopkins: "It's our first win overseas. We looked at it, we've been in the winter, we spent two weeks here, it helped us not just with the altitude, but with the conditions."
Man of the Match is Kyle Mills: "I've been in good rhythm over the last few months, good conditions to bowl here. I didn't wake up in the bowler expecting to do something like that (most economical figures in CLT20). I was mindful of just bowling on off stump and seeing what the wicket could do for me."
Njr1330: "what about a batting line-up of Cook, Mustard, Onions, (Cec) Pepper, Lamb, Rice, Wiener, Pringles (Derek & Meyrick), Woodcock and Kitchen!" Good effort, though you might want to bat Onions a little lower in the order.
Right, day one of the qualifiers are done and dusted. Yorkshire and Auckland have won, Uva and Sialkot have lost. Day two tomorrow. Join us then. Thanks for all the puns. G'night!
END OF OVER:17 | 13 Runs | AUCK: 130/4 (1 run required from 18 balls, RR: 7.64, RRR: 0.33)
- Colin Munro13 (8b)
- Anaru Kitchen27 (20b)
- Raza Hasan4-0-20-0
- Sarfraz Ahmed4-0-31-2
Hassaan Yasin: "Don't want to see Kitchen left in a mess :)"