Wanderers Bash

And just like that it was over.

The hosts, Wanderers Royals again bowing out in the group stages after a final game loss to Glenvista who put up a mammoth 213 in there 16 overs. Wanderers Royals have themselves to blame as the 2 losses were mainly due to them not playing well under pressure. Yet again, the Royals fail to win the tournament they dearly host.

Glenvista began the tournament with a bang as they put on a big score of 171 onboard against the newcomers, TCS. Suhel Saleh continuing his good form in the bash with a quick fire 60. They had their best batting performance in their second group game win against the Wanderers Royals, as they put up a mammoth 213 in their 16 overs, largely due to an incredible individual innings of 118*, by Azhar Bikha. He now holds the highest individual score in the history of the Bash. With this, they their worst bowling performance against the mighty Bedfordview, letting 238 runs being scored of their allotted 16 overs. This now being the highest team score in the bash. Regardless of this loss, they made it to the semi-finals were they received a reality check and were blown away by the Tsunami Army, as they were bowled out for a mere 77. Once again, former champions of the bash could not make it to win the Bash back to back.

Bedfordview were always going to put on a show with the bat. They did this throughout the tournament. Starting their tournament with a win against the host, Wanderers Royals. Talal Shamsi scoring a quick fire 40 to take the game away from the Royals. Their best batting performance, against their group rivals Glenvista. Bedfordview put up 238 from their allotted 16 overs, largely due to the magnificent innings of Siddique Mohammed, were he scored 114* of just 42 balls, with it hitting 10 gigantic 6's out of the Wanderers Club Top Oval grounds. Potential contenders to win the Bash, made it to the semi-finals with Glenvista from Group B. Bedfordview were caught out eventually in the Semi-Finals against the other new comers, Masters XI. Crucial drop catches, lack of experience death bowlers and an experienced tennis ball cricket player from the Masters XI, led to Bedfordview bowing out from the Bash in an exhilarating last ball semi-final encounter.

Newcomers, Pitch Slaps and TCS had a tournament to forget. Both had great individual performers, but never made it out as a team. The lack of experience in a 16 over Bash tournament was clear, which eventually led to their downfall and an unfortunate relegation from next years Wanderers Bash.

Bokkies too had a tournament to forget. The young guns from the team put up a good fight in the group stages, but this wasn't enough for them to make it out of the group. We have seen great young talent in the Bokkies set-up, and hope they will continue giving these young talent the platform to keep growing.

Tsunami Army were penned out to be favorites to win the Bash 2019. They began their run with a comprehensive win against the Bokkies. They followed suit and led the group stage winning the remainder of 2 games against Bokkies and Masters XI. They met 2nd placed Glenvista from Group B in the semi-finals and made a light work-out of the game. A comprehensive 9 wicket over the Glenvista who were bowled out for just a mediocre 77. Tsunami Army though met their match in the finals, from Masters XI.

Lastly, the champions of the Wanderers Bash 2019, Masters XI. We knew they would make potential recruitments from previous teams to be relegated from the Bash. Finishing Second in the Group A stage, they met a tough competitor in the semi-finals, Bedfordview. Having needed to chase 161 of 16 overs, a crazy last ball finish allowed the newcomers to make it to the finals of the bash. This was largely due to a freakish partnership between former Bedfordview Player, Wazeer Ali and a MAQ recruited player, Jaydeep Rathore. Regarded as the underdogs in the finals against the mighty Tsunami Army, Masters XI showed why the underdogs tag, is not always the worst thing to have. Batting first, Masters XI set a very competitive 182 as a target for Tsunami Army. For the army, this was a good challenge, and they regarded this score to be slightly above par. A very crucial and intelligent partnership between Yaseen Kaba and Faisal gave Masters XI a good first innings score. Tsunami Army had it all in control, regardless of a slow start compared to their standards. When their best player, Armand Krugel started to get going, everyone knew if this man stays till the end, Tsunami Army would easily take the game. And at the crucial moment, a mix-up in the middle led to Armand being run-out, this changing the tide of the game. Masters XI kept the pressure up and this eventually took a toll on the Mighty Tsunami Army. Masters XI, the newcomers, beating the best along the way, crowned the Champions of the Wanderers Bash 2019.

Congratulations to Masters XI.

Batsman of the tournament: Azhar Bikha (Glenvista)
Bowler of the tournament: AD van der Linde (Tsunami Army)
Player of the tournament: Armand Krugel(Tsunami Armi)

Good Morning Wanderers Bash Community,



With just 1 day to go before the 6th edition of the WBB, we think it is the right time to put up a post for the community.



We have not ignored this platform. Instead we have held a very long moment of silence for the 2 relegated teams from our 5th Edition of the WBB. The highly rated MAQ the 2016 Winners of the Bash as well new comers in the 2018 edition of the Bash, SM Warriors were unfortunately relegated as they finished last in their respective groups.



Glenvista's consistent performance in the Bash had finally paid off, with a nail biting last over win against the Bedfordview XI last year. Will they now be able to dominate the bash? Be the first team to win back to back bash tournaments. Glenvista has stuck to the mantra of not changing the set-up of the team, 2018 Bash player of year Suhel Saley remains their most important player. Their middle order is strengthened by the inclusion of the hard-hitter Zainul Khadkiwala. Spin remains their main threat, but with the use of Pink ball this year, their Left-arm seamer in Mushtaq Fatuwala will be a danger to reckon with. All in all, they have a well-balanced side. But as we know, this is a game of playing as a team, will Glenvista follow through with this, we will know in due course.



Last years runners up team Bedfordview were definitely disappointed with the outcome from the finals. With 8 runs needs in the last over and enough firepower waiting in the dugouts, Bedfordview somehow managed to hand the title over to Glenvista. Nonetheless, they still remain a top team and a strong contender for the title this year. Wicket-keeper batsman Rameez has a point to prove this season. Can he push his team and finally win the tournament? Bedfordview have managed to strengthen their batting line up too, with the inclusion of the classy left handed batsman Nabeel, the now experienced power hitter Saddique, the batting line up will be a force to reckon with. Their captain, Irfan Gondal will lead their bowling attack. It's all about the batting for Bedfordview this season.



With the inclusion of Tsunami Army and Pitch Slap, the bash found a platform to see the potential the tournament brings. The quality of batting, fierce paced bowling as well as the fielding standards these teams brought to the tournament, allowed other teams to begin playing cricket of similar nature. Led from the front by their talented opening batsman Cornie and strategic captain Johan, believe to see the standards from this team only grow. Team comprising of winners from 2017, rest assured they will bring the best to this tournament.



Masters XI and TCS are the 2 new teams replacing the relegated teams. TCS will have a first hand experience of the bash, will they be able to cope with the pressure of performing as new comers, only time will tell. The previous new-team were relegated in their first season. This is a tag TCS will not want. Led by the experience Sarfraz Mirza, TCS can put up a fight. Will they win the tournament? For now, let's just say cricket is a funny old game. Masters XI can be regarded as new-comers, but with their recruitment we have seen, Masters XI may bring in experienced MAQ and SM Warriors players to prevent any hiccups in this tournament and put up a fight. Be assured the likes of Diwan, Abu, Javed, Rathore will be seen in this team. The Newcomers have the pressure to only win the tournament, but also stay in the tournament. Will they do it? will one of the 2 give in to the pressure? We will find out very soon



Bokkies XI will be led by the experienced Akhtar. An all-rounder with vast experience, be assured they will bring their A-game to the tournament. Bokkies put on the field the youngest team, and this is good for the game. With reference to soccer, Sir Alex Ferguson believed in youth and that bought 20 years of success to Man United, will Akhtar manage to do the same and guide them to the glory of the Bash, we are yet to see.



Finally, leaving the host for the last. Wanderers Royals have yet to see glory stay at home for once in the 6 years of the Big Bash.They remind us of Royals Challengers Bangalore(Have the stars but cannot deliver), Consistent Semi-finalists in the first 3 bash tournaments, only to scrap through in the last 3, Wanderers Royals have a point to prove. Choking is a tag for the Proteas, but it seems Wanderers Royals have taken a liking for this tag too. But rest be assured, they are bound to put up a good fight and potentially a good team. Fuzail Patel, has had an exceptional club season and pre-season, he will lead their bowling attack and if he gets going, well teams will struggle. Zunaid Bahadur has been a consistent run-getter for the Royals, if the likes of Zaid Patel, Nuaman Nakedar and Muhammed Latief can support him. Wanderers Royals will be a force to reckon with. Will this year be their year? I expect surprise recruitments to make sure the Royals win the tournament this season .



If you have read this far, thank you. Come tomorrow, it will be less reading and more bashing. The bash begins and this time, the hosts Wanderers Royals will kick it off against the fire-power of Bedfordview. Wanderers Cricket Club- Top Oval will host this encounter. First ball bowled at 18:00. Let the bashing begin !!!

Finals

Glenvista vs Bedfordview

First final for the new comers Bedfordview, 3rd final for Glenvista

What do Glenvista need to do to win the cup.

GROUP game between the 2 teams was one sided with Bedfordview winning it.

But Glenvista had a plan.

All started with the bat scoring 148-6 In 16 overs
But Bedfordview started the chase very well and at half way stage were in front 7 3-2.
Glenvista missed few catches and thought the game was over.

However it all started with Rameez Zaffars wicket once he fell and Wazeer got runout Glenvista knew they had a chance.

But what happened next was incredible.
9 runs needed of the final over.
Glenvista gave the ball to Mohsin Patel. Ladies and gentleman we had a maiden over Bowled with Bedfordview STEALING only 2 byes and winning the final by 7 runs.

And we have new champions.

Well done to all the teams that participated.

Glenvista you beauty.

GLENVISTA are the WANDERERS CRICKET BASH 2018 WINNERS.

Player of the Tournament = Sohail Saleh
Batsman of the Tournament = Rameez Zaffar
Bowler of the Tournament = Sarfaraz Patel

Team for Fair play = SM Warriors

Bowl out challenge = MAQ

And lastly special mention to the Wanderers Cricket Club for the awesome venue and facilities and the competition organizers Zaid Patel and Muhammad Latief.

See you next year, same place same time ✌️✌️

Let's start by Congratulating Glenvista for becoming Champions.

But before we get into the final's details let's look at the games that took place on the final day.

We started off we Bokkies vs Kavaliers with Kavaliers needing a win to go through the group stages and knockout Tsunami Army but that did not happen as Bokkies beat Kaveliers to go through to the semis unbeaten.

Coming to the second game of the day SM warriors shocked the new comers Bedfordview in a dead rubber group game.

Last game before the semi finals was a virtual quarter final between Wanderers and Glenvista, Glenvista won the game by 3 runs entering the semis.

First Semi Final was between Bedfordview vs Tsunami Army and Bedfordview won the game with the bat scoring a high score and defending it.

The Second Semi was between Glenvista and Bokkies. With Bokkies batting collapsing there hope of winning the tournament ended and Glenvista booked there place in the final for the 3rd time.

Day 2 Done is dusted!

Started off with Wanderers scoring just above a par score with some late hitting by Nuaman and with SM warriors in a okay position after 8 overs Andrew came in and changed the game by taking 4 wickets and giving Wanderers a massive win by 54 runs

The second game was a high scoring contest, Glenvista won the toss and chose to bat, Glenvista scoring 150 thanks to Sohail Saleh but ended up loosing after an all round batting contribution made by the Bedfordview batsman.

Day 3 here we come!

Game 1 done and dusted.

What a start to the Bash.

Great game and more importantly great entertainment.

Tsunami Army won the toss and chose to bowl first.

MAQ Scored an Impressive 153 in 16 overs with Diwan scoring a half century but were toppled over by Cornie's calmness and Armand's explosive innings.

3 days to go ! Who do you think will win this years bash ?

Will Wanderers choke again or finally win the tournament they so dearly host ?
Will MAQ play with their potential and overcome their pace bowling fear?
With JB split into 2 teams so will they come through with their fearsome potential this time ?
Will Glen Vista get over their final loss last year and win this year or still considered as Chokers of the bash?
Will the newbies Bokkies and Bedfordview surprise the veterans ?
Or will SM warriors overcome there underdogs status and rise above the rest in this tournament !

It all starts on Thursday at 18:00
be there to witness the first game between the Tsunami Armi vs MAQ

With the current cup holders team divided into new teams this season we shall have a new Bash winner.

Are you ready?

Have a look when your teams playing!

11 days to go.

Dates for 5th edition of 'Wanderers Cricket Bash' confirmed.

So the tournament has come to an end

Here are some of the team and match photos from the tournament

Once again thank you to everyone that showed up

Bowler of the tournament= Brandon Whitehead
Batsman of the tournament= Azhar Bhikha
Player of the tournament = Azhar Bhikha

JB Sports. Winners of the Wanderers Bash 2017. Certainly the best team in the competition.