In Game 2 of Brasília’s cricket season, play got under way at 10am on Sunday 12 April. It was a very warm morning with excellent conditions for a game of cricket.

The Miziara Masters were in trouble early as they lost their openers fora handful of runs. Then tight bowling by the Kamal Knights further restricted the Masters in the middle overs.

Newcomers Arslan and Badar looked dangerous but were dismissed just when they were starting to hit out. Then Dhanushka strolled to the crease and swung the bat, connected with quite a few and scored a quick 35. Good support from Alexandre, Duda and Dani took the Masters to 128 all out in the 20th over.

Captain Kamal, while expensive, picked up 3 wickets for the Knights, Umar bowled a very economical spell and the other wickets were shared by Denise, Vince and Macalé, who made a welcome return to cricket. Two run-outs, one effected by Lúcia and the other by Vince, helped the Knights bring the innings to a close. Great wicket-keeping by Arvind completed a very tidy fielding performance.

In reply, Umar and Arvind grabbed the game by the neck. Umar in particular, batted aggressively, helping himself to several sixes over mid-wicket, his preferred scoring area. A difficult man to bowl to, Umar raced to 50 inside five overs before being caught at mid-on. Arvind went soon after for a well-made 21. Kamal strode out to bat then strode down the wicket to take on the bowling, whacking several sweetly-time fours through the on-side. Once he was bowled by Fábio for 28, however, the Masters sniffed a chance with the Knights still needing 25 runs to win.

Brave batting by Silvia, Lúcia and Macalé against quite hostile bowling from the Masters inched the Knights closer. In the end, the Knights scored the remaining runs in the 15th over, passing the total for the loss of seven wickets. The Masters were well served by Duda behind the stumps, while Roginaldo, Dani and Fábio all fielded very well. Alexanadre led from the front, bowling well and taking the catch to dismiss Umar.

Players adjourned to Clube Nipo restaurant for excellent food, cold drinks and the inevitable post-mortem. Another good day of cricket.