In his debut match as captain, AJ lost the toss and OEs were asked to chase. In the pre-match speech, AJ insisted that chasing anything above 125 would be challenging, given OEs recent chasing form.

Bhupi and Ranjiv opened the bowling - both their opening spells were exceptionally miserly, with Bhupi returning 7-3-10-0 and Ranjiv with 7-1-18-1.

Shail (the lone OE spinner to bowl on the day), AJ, and Rahul kept the pressure on during their respective spells with quirky field sets (each adjustment to the field taking over 30s in Shail's case). We're reliably told that even the opposition were wondering what was up with some of the field sets :D

Whatever magic potion Shail had drunk before the game worked a treat - match figures of 9-1-38-4, and well supported by Rahul with 9-0-26-1 and AJ with 6-0-18-2. The bowling was backed up with some outstanding catching (Milind with his two stunning catches, and Rahul with his smart overhead catch), and a commitment to chasing most shots down - there were even a couple of sliding stops from Akshay :O. Top quality wicket-keeping from Owen meant that extras behind the wickets were practically non-existent - we're seeing a much improved wickie in action this season.

To summarise the bowling effort, the team had taken the captain's clarion call seriously and restricted the opposition to 124 - bang on the money!

Shail and Karthik opened the batting. Shail went fishing outside off and nicked-off first ball. Milind joined Karthik in the middle and both batsmen counterattacked with an aim to put away loose bowling at both ends. The result - a rapid 48 run partnership for the 2nd wicket in only 8.2 overs. This partnership pretty much broke the back of the chase.

The opposition's main bowler then accounted for Karthik (lbw) and debutant Varun (a.k.a Arun) with some incisive in-swing bowling. With a potential wobble on the cards at 56/3 AJ sent Sameer up the order.

Milind continued to attack any loose bowling even when the spinners came on. Spurred on by Milind Sameer treated the team to a straight six into the sightscreen, to remind everyone of his big hitting abilities.

Sameer departed for 9, with the score on 94. Akshay then joined Milind to see the chase without any further issues. It was great to see Milind take the team home with a top-quality 57 and back amongst the runs.

MOM - Milind for his chanceless 57, although Shail was a contender with his 4 wickets

DOD - The opposition (nominal neutral) umpire who said the leg umpire (Owen) cannot make waist-high no ball calls! Has there been a rewriting of the MCC laws? Ridiculous max.

Champagne moment of the day - Sameer's straight six or Akshay's sliding stop - you can pick either.