Durham Cricket lost their second Gulf Cup group game to Dubai’s It’s Just Cricket Junior Boys’ Academy at Vision Ground as the opposition’s Sreeram Praksh put in a match winning performance with a fine 98.
Durham skipper Helen Fenby lost the toss and in hot conditions was asked to field first – opening bowlers Jenny McDowell and Lucy Hughes made good use of the conditions during the early stages of the game, restricting It’s Just Cricket to 25 from six overs.
Tight bowling from Fenby and Lizzie Scott saw the hosts reach 63/0 at drinks – with Durham pleased with the current situation of the game.
However, Prakash put his foot down after drinks taking advantage of Durham’s bowling, as he smashed 15 boundaries for 98, falling two short of his century thanks to a good catch from Harriett Robson off the bowling of Fenby.
Bailey Wanless struck with 3/47 from her six overs, while Helen Fenby bagged one, It’s Just Cricket closing their 30 overs on 192/7.
Durham began the chase in steady form – with Layla Tipton and Alice Heaton getting Durham underway with the bat. Heaton fell for 14 but a 28-run partnership from Tipton and Fenby steadied the ship for Durham.
Once both departed, Durham couldn’t get going in reply, with some tight leg spin from Vishesh Lachhwani who claimed 4/14 from six overs. Ishan Meena struck with 3/13, as Durham were bowled out for 100 inside 28 overs.
Durham Cricket go up against the United Arab Emirates Women national side tomorrow [4 January] at 8:30am (UAE local time) as the Gulf Cup group stage continues.