It was one-way traffic throughout. The gulf between the two sides was as palpable as it can get. Though, Bucharest Zalmi need to introspect a bit and at least do the little things right going forward.
In this match, they dropped three easy catches and despite having a mountain of a score to chase down, were not keen on rotating the strike over and running the ones and twos. While, this format is about the big hits, the rotation of strike enables you to put the bowlers off their lines, especially when you have a right-left combination in the middle.
Zalmi had the resources but failed to make the most of it. Royal Eagles, on the other hand, had a good time out in the park. They soon realised that the score was too big anyway and decided to give everyone a chance to bowl. The most wholesome moment came along when 15-year-old Pantea picked his first wicket.
The victory was set up by Haidar Ali - who scored a blistering 26-ball-80 - and captain Shahab Alam, who got a 17-ball-50.
10
overs
98/3score
7nb
6
0
6
1wd
1
0
1
runs
Samiullah Safi*
2(7)
Rifat Reza
22(9)
Younas Jutt
1/27
9.6 Muhammad Younas to Samiullah Safi, connects this time but the ball goes only as far as the fielder at deep square leg. They run one of the last ball.
9.5 Muhammad Younas to Samiullah Safi, swings hard and makes no contact with the leather. Dot ball.
9.4 Muhammad Younas to Rifat Reza, worked away to in front of square on the leg side. One run.
9.4 Muhammad Younas to Rifat Reza, wide down the leg side.
9.3 Muhammad Younas to Rifat Reza, BIG HIT!! This one has gone sailing over the top of the bowler's head and clears the ropes comfortably.
9.2 Muhammad Younas to Rifat Reza, swings for the heavens again but makes no connection this time.
9.1 Muhammad Younas to Rifat Reza, IN THE SLOT!! Smoked out of the park over the straight boundary. Something for Zalmi to celebrate.
9.1 Muhammad Younas to Rifat Reza, HIGH FULL TOSS! Whacked away over midwicket for a big six.
9
overs
76/3score
1
1wd
W
1nb
1b
2nb
0
1
2wd
0
runs
Samiullah Safi*
1(5)
Rifat Reza
2(4)
Mihnea Pantea
1/7
8.6 Mihnea Pantea to Samiullah Safi, another wild swing and a miss.
8.5 Mihnea Pantea to Samiullah Safi, angled across the right hander, who cannot reach it.
8.5 Mihnea Pantea to Rifat Reza, wide down the leg side. Plus, they run one as the keeper fumbles.
8.4 Mihnea Pantea to Rifat Reza, CAUGHT AT SQUARE LEG! But it is a free-hit. So, it does not matter.
8.4 Mihnea Pantea to Samiullah Safi, HIGH FULL TOSS AGAIN!! Hit towards midwicket. They have run a single.
8.3 Mihnea Pantea to Rifat Reza, length ball. The batter swings and misses. They run a bye.
8.3 Mihnea Pantea to Samiullah Safi, OH DEAR! Head high full toss. The batter hits it to midwicket and runs one.