Star of the show: Shepparton United’s Ali Bangash claimed the match ball in round two on Saturday with elite figures of 5-14 against Karramomus.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Shepparton United collected the first points of its Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield campaign on Saturday, battling to a five-wicket win over Karramomus at Vibert Reserve.
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United’s victory was on the back of some Ali Bangash brilliance with the ball, as the young spinner came on later in the innings to clean up the Bloods’ middle-to-lower order with a masterful five-wicket haul.
An unbeaten knock from 100-gamer Rehan Bari (38 not out) guided United to the 124-run total with 10 overs and five wickets to spare.
Karramomus, in its first game of the 2022-23 campaign, opted for a bat on their home track on Saturday afternoon after rain had delayed the start of play and, at times, looked to end the day altogether.
Skipper Mitch McGrath (33) hung tough at the top of the order after Cooper Delahey was removed by Sam Nash in the second over.
Resilient knocks from Jayden Dhosi (17) and Zac Groombridge (34) held the innings together amid consistent United pressure.
But as has been Karramomus’ Achilles heel in recent years, consistent runs eluded their batters after early wickets fell.
In control: Karramomus skipper Mitch McGrath finds a run against Shepparton United on Saturday. Photo: The Artsy Lens Photography.
With the Bloods in a spot of trouble in the 18th over at 3-63, United captain-coach Chaminda Vidanapathirana handed the ball to Bangash (5-14), who tore through Karramomus’ batters at will.
“Sammy (Nash) started with a wicket and everyone bowled really tight,” Vidanapathirana said.
“But Ali was the superstar, he bowled his magic, took five-for, bowled a few googlies and had a few people asking me ‘where have you been keeping this guy?’
“He surprised everyone, he’s only 18 years old and already making an impact.”
Luke Sibley and Angus Heslin remained unbeaten as Karramomus limped to 124 after their 35 overs.
In reply, things didn’t go all United’s way and a pair of early wickets from Zane Newbound and Lachlan Keady put the visitor on the back foot at 2-17.
Cue the milestone man, who, alongside Steven Tate (21) and Mahesh Kodamullage (20), brought United home with five wickets up its sleeve.
Vidanapathirana said Bari’s experience and calmness under pressure was on full display.
“Rehan kept the innings together,” he said.
“That was our plan, for one of the senior batsmen to stay in until the end to get the runs and he did that.
“It’s one reason why we wanted him to come back and play for us this year, hopefully he can continue his form and help us to a few more wins.”
THE GAME
Karramomus 9-124 (Zac Groombridge 34, Mitch McGrath 33, Wajhe Ali Bangash 5-14) lt Shepparton United 5-125 (Rehan Bari 38 not out, Zane Newbound 2-33)
STAR PLAYER
Ali Bangash (Shepparton United): His coach said it himself, it was a ‘‘superstar’’ display from United’s young spin king this week. Bangash simply bamboozled the Bloods’ batters through the middle of the game as he spearheaded United’s superb first innings showing.
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