Scorecard

Prestcold v Phoenix Cricket Club Phoenix on Sun 02 Aug 2026 at 1pm
Phoenix Cricket Club Lost 2 wickets

Match report Game 16 v Prestcold
Result: Lost by 2 wickets

Phoenix Let Another Tight Contest Slip Away

For the third consecutive week, Phoenix found themselves involved in another enthralling contest that went right down to the wire. Unfortunately, despite controlling large periods of the match, it was another game that slipped away in the closing stages.

Winning the toss and batting first, Phoenix made the perfect start. Returning opener Rajkaran Aulakh and captain Muhammad Chohan produced a superb opening partnership of 109 runs in just 16 overs, laying the ideal platform for a commanding total.

Rajkaran was fluent throughout, striking 53 from 47 balls, including 9 fours and 2 sixes, while Chohan matched him with a composed 54 from 56 deliveries, featuring 9 fours and a six.

At 109 without loss, Phoenix looked set for a score well in excess of 250. However, once the opening stand was broken, the innings lost momentum. Despite finishing on 223, only 114 runs came from the final 24 overs, leaving everyone at tea feeling that the side had fallen around 30 runs short of what the excellent start deserved.

The defence began brightly.

Prestcold came out positively, but disciplined bowling backed by outstanding fielding quickly put Phoenix in control. Sharp catches from Vishal-Karna Kumar and Muhammad Chohan, together with a direct-hit run out from Sheraz Ahmad, reduced the opposition to 79-4.

Prestcold then rebuilt through a valuable 78-run partnership, threatening to wrestle the initiative back. But just when the game appeared to be drifting, Phoenix produced one of the most remarkable moments of the season.
A brilliant run out from Iliyan Panjwani was immediately followed by two wickets in two balls from Sanjeev Kumar, giving Phoenix a first-team hat-trick—three wickets in three deliveries.

From 157-4, Prestcold suddenly found themselves 157-7, with Phoenix firmly in command.

Unfortunately, cricket often punishes teams that cannot finish the job.

Pressure and panic slowly crept in as valuable runs leaked away. Several fortunate inside and outside edges raced to the boundary, adding to the frustration, while 35 extras—the opposition’s third-highest contributor—proved hugely costly.

The defining moment came when M. Rosier was offered a run-out opportunity. The chance went begging, and Rosier made Phoenix pay, guiding Prestcold over the line with just two wickets remaining.

In truth, Prestcold deserved the victory. They remained composed when Phoenix were 109 without loss, recovered from 79-4, survived 157-7, and ultimately handled the decisive moments better than Phoenix. That composure under pressure proved to be the difference.

Player of the Match: Rajkaran Aulakh
A superb return to the Phoenix side. His attacking 53, outstanding fielding and overall presence reminded everyone exactly what the team has missed this season.

Final Thoughts
There were plenty of positives once again. The opening partnership was excellent, the fielding produced moments of real quality, and for long periods Phoenix controlled the game.
Ultimately, the difference came in the closing stages. Death bowling, a handful of costly misfields and 35 extras allowed Prestcold back into the contest. Perhaps more importantly, the team’s energy dropped too early. Belief has to remain until the final ball, regardless of the situation.
These narrow defeats hurt because they are games Phoenix have been good enough to win. If the side can maintain its intensity and composure for the full 40 overs, those close finishes will begin to swing back in their favour.
It was also great to welcome Fabian Saverimuttu back into the Phoenix colours.

Season record so far
8 Wins | 7 Losses | 1 Draw

The team:
1. Rajkaran Aulakh
2. Muhammad Chohan (c) (wk)
3. Vishal-Karna Kumar
4. Fabian Saverimuttu
5. Iliyan Panjwani
6. Salman Merchant
7. Sheraz Ahmad
8. Ashik Khokhar
9. Mitul Bathia
10. Shoaib Hamker
11. Sanjeev Kumar

*** Statistically the leading players are as follow ***

* Runs *
538 – Chohan
449 - Khizar
296 - Salman

* Wickets *
23 – Sanjeev
18 - Salman
16 - Adnan

* Fielding Dismissals *
9 - Chohan (8 catches, 1 stumping)
7 - Chandi (5 catches, 1 stumping)
6 - Khizar (6 catches)

Phoenix Cricket Club Phoenix Batting
Player Name RunsMB4s6sSRCtStRo
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 7 wickets
0
223
        
Rajkaran Aulakh ct Long Off 53 47 9 2 112.77
Muhammad Chohan Bowled  54 56 9 1 96.43 3
Fabian Saverimuttu Lbw  2 3 66.67
Vishal-Karna Kumar ct Behind 19 15 4 126.67 1
Iliyan Panjwani Run out  0 3 0
Salman Merchant Bowled  19 22 4 86.36
Sheraz Ahmad ct Behind 13 31 2 41.94
Mitulkumar Bathia Not Out  23 31 3 74.19
Ashik Khokhar Not Out  13 10 2 130.0
Shoaib Hamkar  
Sanjeev Kumar  

Prestcold Bowling

Player nameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
No records to display.

Prestcold Batting
Player name RMB4s6sSR
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 8 wickets
0
224 (38.0 overs)
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Phoenix Cricket Club Phoenix Bowling

Player NameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
Ashik Khokhar8.0034217.004.25
Shoaib Hamkar6.005400.009.00
Mitulkumar Bathia8.0322122.002.75
Sanjeev Kumar8.0147223.505.88
Salman Merchant6.004400.007.33
Rajkaran Aulakh1.001200.0012.00
Iliyan Panjwani1.00500.005.00
 
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