On Sunday January 10th, Chinmaya Mission family and friends all gathered at Crestwood Community Centre Cricket Ground to partake in the 6th Annual Chinmaya Cricket Match.

Naresh and Nik were the two appointed captains by the Acharya of Chinmaya Mission Sydney Br Gopalji, teams were chosen, and Naresh chose to bat after winning the toss.

Varun and Paridhi provided a firm foundation at the top of the order, until Paridhi was disastrously run-out for 2, breaking a solid opening partnership. Varun retired at 30 runs, but not before being involved in a second run out to dismiss a dangerous-looking Gopal-ji for 12 runs and in the after the 2nd over he had just struck the first 6 of the match and was feeling like he might go on to make a 100. Munnu (17) and Pakajan (1) provided a steady stream of runs in the middle-overs, and things were going well until Munnu got out and Sonu struck with a double-wicket maiden over to get rid of Sohum (1) and to dismiss Naresh for a golden duck, leaving the side reeling at 6-95 in the 16th over. Luckily, Abhishek was able to resurrect the innings until retiring at 30 runs, partnered by Mohan (5), Ramjas, and Ravi (14) before Varun resumed his innings to finish with 46 runs. Abhishek also resumed his innings and finished on 38 not out, as the innings finished as it had started- with another run-out. The best bowlers were Sonu (3 overs, 1 maiden, 2-8), Anil (4 overs, 0-15), and Tisveer (3 overs, 1-21).
At the end of the 25 overs, the team total was 10-156.

Anil and Tisveer opened the innings for Nik's team, and although Tisveer was run out early for a duck; The strong top-order consisting of Anil (35), Dev (28), and Sonu (29) made considerable progress, and it looked like they were on target for an easy victory. However, after Nik was dismissed to a horribly miscued reverse-sweep, it seemed that Naresh's team still had a chance!

An inspired bowling effort ripped through the staunch resistance provided by the lower-order, and Naresh's team triumphed in the final over, scraping through to win the 6th Annual Chinmaya Cricket Match.

Thankyou to everyone who brought food, and to Gopalji for organising the game; and we look forward to seeing you at the 7th Annual Match which will be held in January 2011.