Topklasse Live | Round 12 | As it Happened

Having brought himself back for one over, Braat gives Klijnhans his last, and Shahzad reaches for his first ball patting it, fielding practice-like, to Ostling in the gully, who drops back to take a very easy catch. A Michelle for Klijnhans, and Tariq joins Ahmad for the last rites. Which last just three deliveries, before Tariq edges to Statham, who grabs it at the second bit. Six for 16 for Klijnhans, and Hermes win by 50 runs. Remarkable!

This game is, like John Donne’s virtuous man, ‘passing mildly away’, and it really needs to be put out of its misery. Seven runs from the last five overs, and really, it’s going nowhere. Credit to Klijnhans and Van Giezen, but it’s a little hard to see the point of Punjab’s batting here.

Sam van Giezen succeeds Ekrami from the Railway End, and Shahzad, who has a Topklasse fifty to his credit, runs his first ball a trifle edgily down to the third man boundary. Just dots thereafter, though, and just a single off his next. Punjab need 64 off the last ten, but they only have two wickets in hand.

Ekrami’s final delivery goes for four, and we get the full double teapot in response. But he’s taken two for 30 from his ten overs, and he’s been one of prime factors in what looks very much like a Hermes victory. Two slips and a gully in for Klijnhans now as he bowls to Ahmad. And a short cover. It’s a maiden.

Another for Ekrami, Kamal bowled for 2. Adnane Ahmad joins Shahzad, but the moving finger has unequivocally writ.

And now he’s rewarded, as Shinwari plays at him indecisively, the ball takes the pad, and the umpire’s finger goes up. The wheels have detached themselves from Punjab’s juggernaut.

Klijnhans has four for 7 now, as Niaz edges and Statham takes a very smart catch behind the stumps. Khurram Shahzad joins Shinwari. There should be credit too for Ekrami, who’s bowled eight immaculate overs and gone for 23.

Drinks claim another victim. Klijnhans’ first delivery to Saqib after the break is guided straight into the hands of Braat at slip, and now we have a game on our hands! Sikander Zulfiqar succeeds his triplet brother, and Punjab have two new men at the crease. And it’s a double wicket-maiden for Klijnjhans, as Sikander lunges forward defensively, and Ostling at cover snaffles the catch. Fawad Shinwari in at seven, as Punjab falter.

Klijnhans into the attack, and he gets the breakthrough, Vandiar finally driving uppishly to Braat at midwicket. He goes for 69, and Hermes can perhaps scent just the faintest hint of victory. Saqib’s still there on 56*, though, joined now by Burhan Niaz.

Whether it’s the effects of that blow earlier, or just general lack of condition and a very warm day, but Vandiar is really struggling out there. He continues to amble singles, but even walking down the pitch to confer between overs seems like a big ask. There’s no doubt about his determination, though, or about his unquenchable thirst for runs. The chance of a run-out, on the other hand, must be rising exponentially. Meantime, he’s gone to 69*, while Saqib goes to 53* with a crisp square cut. And at the halfway mark Punjab need just 93.

Even allowing for that interruption Hermes seem to be taking ages to get through their overs, but Vandiar and Saqib are going along at a fair pace, Vandiar now 61* from 65, Saqib 40* from 44.

Another run out, this time of Van Vliet, gives HCC the win by 81 runs. It was finished as a context by Crowley’s spell up front, but a makeshift Voorburg did pretty well even to make it that close.

The End is Nigh, as Nel tries a tight single of a Van Vliet push to midwicket and is beaten by a quick return. Alejo Nota the last man, with Van Vliet now on 19*.

A moment of drama as Vandiar ambles through for a single and the return hits him full on the side of the helmet. Bizarre accident, but it means he’ll have to go through a concussion check. He’s currently on 57* from 52, so Punjab will be hoping he doesn’t need to retire. And more than that, of course,. that he’s OK. And indeed, he’s fine to carry on.

Van Vliet takes on Crowley, lifting him effortlessly over midwicket for six. And the hundred comes up in Wiggins’s next, a lot more than seemed likely an hour or so ago.

Wiggins produces a very insistent double appeal for leg before against De Lange, but the umpire stands firm. No doubt about the next, however, as an inside edge goes into the stumps and the captain departs for 28. Two more wickets needed, as Jacobus Nel joins Van Vliet.

Punjab’s main concern will naturally be making sure of the points, and Vandiar and Saqib are not taking any chances as they build a useful stand against Braat and now Jabarkhail.

Floris de Lange, skipper of a seriously depleted Voorburg side today, seems intent on demonstrating that he recognises the concept of a captain’s knock, having negotiated his way to 26* as he steers his team away from a potentially embarrassing situation. For these two sides as well, NRRs could prove significant, and damage limitation is also a legitimate goal. And Crowley returns from the Scoreboard End, which is a tribute of sorts to De Lange’s resistance.

A second for Elenbaas, Riaz caught head-high at one-and-a-halfth slip by Ostling for 9. Saqib Zulfiqar in to join Vandiar.

Another one gone at De Diepput: Stijn de Leede holes out to at long on off Doram and departs for 10. Mees van Vliet joins De Lange.

Ah! we have news. Vision, even. And the news is that Ralph Elenbaas removed Shoaib Minhas first ball, but that since than Mohsin Riaz and Jonathan Vandiar have made steady progress, Vandiar already on 22* off 23 deliveries.

Smal finishes it with a four and a six off Khan to go to 50* from 37 deliveries, and VRA win by eight wickets. For those who care about these things, VRA’s NRR is now 0.694, HBS’s -0.057.

A different kind of mayhem at Craeyenhout, where Rasool smacks Azzam Khan for back-to-back sixes. But then he holes out to Venter at deep midwicket and departs for a run-a-ball 59. Udit Nashier to the crease with just eight required.

A stand-ette from De Lange and De Leede halts the mayhem, and Crowley has to be happy for now with his five for 19 from six overs. Doram into the attack.

Walbrugh’s used seven bowlers already, but Rasool and Smal march on, Rasool on to 46*, Smal on 33*, and 26 are needed now.

They’ve resumed at Loopuyt Oval, but they seem to forgotten to tell the scorers. Whatever is happening is hidden behind the summary scores from the first innings, so I’m afraid we’re unable to tell you what progress Punjab are making.

A very rapid Michelle for Crowley, as he comprehensively yorks Boissevain, uprooting his off stump. All ten seems on, but then Leonard spoils it by producing a perfect off-cutter, which clips the top of middle and off to remove Molenaar. Floris de Lange and Stijn de Leede together now.

With Martijn Scholte taking the gloves today, Lucas del Bianco is pressed into service with the ball, and it must be said that he’s quite lively, causing Smal some discomfort and producing a couple of not entirely ridiculous shouts for LBW. But Rasool’s on 42* now, Smal on 8*, and VRA need another 55.

Crowley’s demolition of Voorburg continues. Cedric de Lange survives a big LBW appeal, seems to get into some argy-bargy with square leg, and is trapped in front next ball. Tom de Leede then eases him through the gully for four, but edges the next to Staal at first slip. He may have thought it hit the ground, but the umpire disagrees. The atmosphere out there is, to say the least, highly competitive.

It’s not impossible that NRRs will come into play in sorting out final placings, and if so, this match could produce a massive turnaround. HBS were on 0.548 before today, VRA on 0.660. But if VRA continue as they are at present, those numbers will be very different tonight. Prince has just smacked De Villiers for successive boundaries, and then he’s dropped, it seems, off the next. Not great when you’re facing this kind of onslaught. No sooner written than De Mey gets the breakthrough: Prince trapped in front for 29. Johan Smal in to join Rasool.

Voorburg have started as well, but not as auspiciously, Nehaan Gigani caught behind by Patel off Crowley’s fourth delivery. Then Nirav Kulkarni is bowled by the first ball of his second, and the champions are in serious trouble as Molenaar joins Cedric de Lange.

There truly is no rest, even for the virtuous, as VRA have started their chase at Craeyenhout, Rasool and Prince going like the clappers, especially Rasool, who has raced to 25* off 16, hitting two fours off Ferdi Vink and three off Venter.

Kamal bowls the last, the highlight an absolutely stunning catch by long on, who runs to straightish mid-off to cling onto a miscue from Ekrami. Abdul Jabharkail goes first ball, another run out, and Hermes set Punjab 244 to win.

Kamal returns to deceive Braat with a slower one, Shahzad taking the catch at extra cover. Numair in to join Ekrami, but he’s run out pushing for a second, and this is a steep dive from 198 for two.

Braat slog-sweeps Saqib for six, then Murid Ekrami plays a very audacious low sweep for four. 13 off the over, which is exactly what Hermes needed at this stage.

Saqib gets into the act, Elenbaas trying to cut a delivery that was really too close to him, and bowled. It wouldn’t be the first good start we’ve seen squandered this season.

Another for Minhas, as Klijhans tries to nurdle him out on the leg side and is trapped in front. Hermes need some real resolve here, with Ralph Elenbaas joining Braat in the middle.

Minhas gets a much-needed breakthrough, Ostling making to cut and edging through to Shinwari. He goes for 79, and Klijnhans, now on 40*, is joined by Braat.

Leijer is run out, pushing for a third but beaten by the throw. Voorburg will be quite happy with that outcome, especially after Staal gave HCC a flying start.

Into the last ten at Loopuyt Oval, with Ostling now on 78* and Klijnhans on 39*.

And another at De Diepput: Crowley lashes out at Boissevain, beaten by the bounce, and is caught at mid-off by Gigani for a 55-ball 67. Teun Leijer the last man.

Eales cleans up the HBS innings, bowling Boddendijk with a full delivery. 3-19 for Fletcher, 3-35 for Turmaine, and two wickets apiece for Eales and Hake. The Crows are going to have to bowl very, very well indeed!

Floris de Lange into the attack, Doram slog-sweeps, upwards rather than outwards, and Stijn ce Leede takes the catch at midwicket. Crowley’s moved on to 66*, joined now by Charumbira.

Klijnhans deposits Niaz over the fence beyond long on, but mostly it’s ones and twos as he and Ostling continue to wear down the Punjab attack. What do they need here? 250 at least, you’d think.

Fletcher back from the Sportlaan End, and Scholte fails to get on top of a square drive, Shirase Rasool taking the catch at point. Henrico Venter in to join Ferdi Vink. But only briefly, as he swings wildly, the top edge flies high, and Sheikh’s under it when it descends.

A maiden Topklasse fifty for Daniel Cowley, but he’s lost another partner as Patel tries to hit Boissevain over wide mid-on and holes out to Kulkarni. Enter Daniel Doram.

Not so Hermes, with Ostling still ostling along at one end and Klijnhans settling in at the other. Given Punjab’s batting resources they’ll need to push on at some stage, but the top four have given them a very solid foundation.

Oh, come on!!!. Khan hits Turmaine for four, then chases a wide one and edges it through to Scully, who juggles it and holds on. Three for Turmaine, and HBS in deep trouble now.

Leon Turmaine removes De Villiers for 61, the South African hitting him for two boundaries but then cutting him powerfully, straight to Abul Sheikh at point. Big wicket that, as Julian de Mey joins Scholte. And another for Turmain in his next over, as he slips one past De Mey and into the stumps. Azzam Khan is next.

Another one gone at De Diepput: this time it’s Boissevain who strikes, Overdijk done by a yorker and his off stump knocked back. Crowley’s still there on 27*, joined now by Yash Patel.

Fifty for Ostling, his fourth of the season, but he’s just lost Statham, caught behind by Shinwari off Burhan Niaz for 23. Useful little knock, and that brings CP Klijnhans in to join Ostling.

De Villiers and Scholte staging a fightback at Craeyenhout, Scholte largely in a supporting role but De Villiers now on 51* and looking quite settled. Smal is ringing the changes with his bowlers, bringing Iles back now from the Sportlaan End.

Philippe Boissevain on from the Scoreboard End, but it’s Tom de Leede who gets the fifth wicket, bowling a very cramped Banerjee for 15. Hidde Overdijk to the crease with HCC now in a spot of bother.

Hundred up in Schiedam, Statham pulling a full toss from Saqib Zulfiqar to the backward square boundary, then sweeping him square for another. You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but they tend to remember the old tricks quite well.

Molenaar holds one back a little, Wiggins props forward, and it’s an easy head-high catch for at extra cover. Daniel Crowley in at six as Voorburg fight back at De Diepput.

Eales back from the Sportlaan End, and this time he’s right on the money, rapping Mason firmly on the pads. The umpire doesn’t hesitate, and Mason doesn’t seem too surprised. That looked plumb. Martijn Scholte in to join De Villiers, now on 24*, as VRA look keen to stake their claim for a top-four finish.

Except that now Doyle tries to hit Kamal back straight, is beaten, and the ball takes middle and leg. He goes for 41, and is succeeded by Nick Statham.

Doyle marks the end of another tidy ten-over spell from Suleiman Tariq by belting his final delivery over long on for six, moving on to 41*. Ostling has 36*, and Hermes can be pretty happy with this start.

Walbrugh goes cheaply for once, and that’s a huge wicket for VRA as he clips Hake off his toes low to Shirase Rasool at square leg. Reece Mason the new man.

Those two wickets slowed HCC’s progress somewhat, with Molenaar switching to the Scoreboard End. Tom de Leede on from the other, and again a wide is followed by a wicket, Gorlee swinging him out to Van Vliet (again) at backward square. Jed Wiggins in as the Lions’ innings stutters a little.

Sajjad Kamal on now from the Railway End, where our trusty lensman Sander Tholen is comfortably ensconced in the shade of the longest sightscreen in Dutch cricket. But Ostling and Doyle continue, now on 25* and 34*.

Another at Crayenhout: Hake into the attack, Singh tries to plant him onto the pavilion balcony, and finds Thomas Iles instead. He goes for 32, and De Villiers is joined by Tayo Walbrugh. Iles’s reward is to get a bowl, from the Sportlaan End.

One brings two, as Alejo Nota replaces Molenaar and, after a leg-side wide, Staal hoists him out to Van Vliet on the midwicket boundary. Banerjee joins Gorlee.

The breakthrough comes at De Diepput, though: Leonard, on 22, plays and misses to Van Vliet, and the ball slips his off stump. Gorlee in to join Staal, on 49*.

Still Tariq and Shahzad for Punjab, and still no breakthrough. Doyle is batting with great restraint by his standards, going to 28* off 35. Ostling’s on a much characteristic 20* from 37, and Hermes are off to a very good start against the leaders.

Singh has started pretty well, hitting Elijah Eales for half-a-dozen boundaries already. Fletcher’s much tighter from the Sportlaan End, until De Villiers gets off the mark by cracking him behind point for four. Not a good idea to offer De Villiers width. Which Fletcher doesn’t for the rest of the over.

Michael Molenaar quickly on to replace Nel, and Staal greets him by pulling him hard and high over behind square for six. Two balls later he squeezes him through backward point for four, then, after a couple of near misses, pulls the last for four more. Staal’s raced to 29* off 14, and a depleted Voorburg are on the back foot already.

Lehan Botha having departed, HBS open with Manjinder Singh, in the side for the first time this season, and Lucas del Bianco. And it’s the latter who’s first to go, caught by keeper Luke Scully off Ben Fletcher’s bowling without scoring. Matt de Villiers in at three.

Sebastiaan Braat back from injury for Hermes, while Adnane Ahmad comes in for Punjab. But it’s Ostling and Doyle (back from international duty with Spain) opening as usual, and they’ve survived the opening overs from Suleiman Tariq and Khurram Shahzad, the latter bowling from the Railway End.

Jacobus Nel starts from the Van Hoogenhoucklaan End, Staal taking a couple of twos and a four from his initial over. Mees van Vliet from the other, a wide the only blemish.

Similarly, VRA have won the toss at Craeyenhout and elected to field.

Sikander Zulfiqar has called correctly at the Loopuyt Oval, and invited Hermes to have a bat.

It took a while, but we can tell you that at De Diepput HCC have won the toss and elected to bat. Adam Leonard steps up to open with Tonny Staal.

Five more off Kroesen’s next, and Lubbers now to bowl his last with just five to get. Baker squeezes the first ball past point for a risky single, and then two on the overthrow as the throw goes wide. fuller next ball and Baker breaks out a rolling scoop shot to get it away over fine leg for two more to level the scores. Full again next ball, driven wide of mid off and they’re through for the single! Bake skips off in celebration, unbeaten on 42 as Sparta win by 2 wickets.

Ralston brought back early as Excelsior realise they need a breakthrough here, he’s only got the one left though. Four off it, they take Blankenstijn for five in the next. Gijs Kroesen again and they take a picket fence off him. 13 needed now as Lubbers returns, and delivers! Back of a length wide of off, Ferguson gives chase and nicks through! He goes for 68, Hoornweg in, ten needed now from the last three overs.

Gijs Kroesen oversteps first ball of the 36th, then Ferguson goes to fifty slamming the free hit, a wide full toss, over backward point for six. This pair closing in on a fifty partnership now, Baker’s seen off 47 balls for his 19. 36 runs needed off the last ten overs.

Meanwhile at Thurlede Ferguson and Baker are putting together a stand for the 8th wicket, though of course the outcome there is almost entirely moot now as far as relegation is concerned. The two Kroesens bowling in tandem at the moment. 64 still to get, asking rate not really an issue but not much batting to come.

And it’s all over. Four runs off Arya’s next over, then McKenzie ties the scores punching Hans out to long on first ball of the 27th to got to 60* and tie the scores. Drag down next ball and Bettelheim seals the win pulling hard for four. He finishes unbeaten on 108* as VOC win by 8 wickets.

Bettelheim seems to have realised he’s running out of space for a ton, gets after Hans in the 35th. Drives straight for four, pulls hard for two more, then skips down for the golf-swing over long on for six and his century. VOC just one hit away now.

Sparta’s troubles at Thurlede are unlikely to matter much though, as McKenzie follows Bettelheim to fifty carving Reddy away behind point for four. 130 the partnership now and ACC look entirely bereft of ideas.

The Spartan collapse continues as Ingram pins Fraser on the back foot, then next over Luuk Kroesen cleans up Singh. Ferguson still there on 30 and 100 on the board, but 186 looks a long way off as Baker makes his way to the middle.

A third for Lubbers, Scheepers playing away from the body trying to turn him to leg, leading edge loops back down the track and Lubbers dives forward to claim it. Fraser in, and Ingram into the attack now from the other end.

Reddy into the attack, McKenzie drives him through the covers for four, then two balls later guides him through wide third for four more to bring up the hundred for VOC. ACC’s hopes of Topklasse survival continue to recede…

Another for Lubbers meanwhile, and a big one too. Mudford down the track looking to go big over the on side, but it’s right through him and into off stump. Scheepers in.

Bettelheim clubs Sheena straight back down the ground for six, next ball offers a sharp return catch that bursts through the bowlers’ hands. Tough chance ACC really need to be grabbing everything if they’re to keep their slender hopes alive. This partnership looks set to bat them out of the league…

Lubbers into the attack and gets Latif with his second ball, down the track swinging and miscued high into the off side, held in the deep. Mudford joins Ferguson.

Brisk start for Bettelheim who twice drives Sayed for four through point. Fifty up for the hosts, looks like Sheena coming into the attack as the field spreads.

VOC lose a second too, Fourie on the charge at Hans, who sees him coming and pushes it fuller and wider, Fourie can’t reach it and smartly stumped. McKenzie at four.

Steenbergen looks to get after Blankenstijn, pulling hard for four in front of square first ball of the fourth, but next ball brings a top edge through, a leaping van Troost behind the stumps does well to get a hand on it, palms it up for slip where Verhagen holds on. Martina in and aggressive from the off too, thick edged four over the slip cordon off Ralston keeps the board ticking, but next ball is full and swinging in, through the defenses into the middle of off.

Back on at Hazelaarweg too, and a fine start for ACC as Sayed strikes immediately, back of a length and beats the top edge as Schierhout misses the pull first ball, next one on a similar length, jags away and looks like it’s just clipped the toe end on the way through to van der Merwe. Bettelheim joins Fourie and almost chops on three balls later. Spin from the other end, Mahesh Hans shares the new ball.

And they’re back on at Thurlede, Mamoon Latif back for Sparta, opening with Jochem Steenbergen. Ralston and Blankenstijn open the bowling.

Another for Aaditt Jain as Raza goes for 39 picking out long on. Kothari takes him on at the death however, big straight six to start the final over, couple of scrambled singles before Hans is run out looking to run one to the keeper but unable to convince Kothari to leave the crease. Arya in, another single and then Jain clean bowls him last ball. 185 will be the target for VOC after lunch.

Van Troost has led an impressive rally with the tail at Thurlede, but he’ll fall one short of a well-earned fifty, holing out to deep square off Hoornweg in the penultimate over. Last man Blankenstijn joins Kroesen for the final few deliveries, Ferguson bowling the last over. Just a smattering of singles off the first five balls, before Kroesen finds the rope off the last ball. Excelsior finish on 185-9, certainly something to bowl at at this ground.

Hoseinbaks gets the breakthrough for VOC, darted in a little quicker, bit of bounce and Sheena looks a tad rushed as he shovels it down the trhoat of deep midwicket. Kumar joins Raza but not for long, bottom edged slog from Raza bounces up for Harhangi to collect in his follow through, Kumar’s already committed to the single and is run out by a distance. Kothari in.

Another down at Thurlede as Ralston miscues Singh into the leg side and is caught for 16. Stan van Troost is undaunted however, twice he’s taken Singh for big sixes over the on side. Gijs Kroesen in with him now.

Aaditt Jain back into the attack and causing Sheena some problems, big appeal for caught behind down leg but the umpire reckons it’s come off the thigh pad.

Van Troost brings up the hundred for the hosts driving Singh out to the cover sweeper off the back foot, Ferguson into the attack now from the other end. Excelsior in dire need of a partnership here.

Not the greatest ball Schoonheim will ever bowl, slow and wide of off, sits up to be hit really but Sayed cuts it straight to backward point, falling 2 short of fifty. Raza joins Sheena.

The slide continues at Thurlede; back of a length from Fraser, gets big on Kroesen who tries to ride the bounce but ends up edging down onto his stumps. Ralston in.

Arnav Jain breaks the partnership, van der Merwe chipping to de Kok ant midwicket. Sheena in at five.

Etman takes two fours off Hoornweg, driving through mid off and then glancing fine for four more, but three balls late Hoornweg has the last laugh, Etman holing out to deep midwicket for 24. Ingram does not long outlast him, Fraser has him dead in front first ball of the next over. Luuk Kroesen and Stan van Troost in now to try to salvage something from the innings.

Sayed and van der Merwe too have put together a solid stand for ACC, the former dominating the scoring as he closes in on a half century. Hoseinbaks takes over from Harhangi.

Etman and Ingram have the beginnings of a much-needed partnership here, Hoornweg into the attack and a big shout for LBW on Ingram but no joy. Fraser returns from the other end.

Sayed and van der Merwe still for ACC as VOC turn to spin, Arnav Jain replaces his brother and Harhangi on at the other end now.

Lubbers gone, trying to use his feet to Baker but ends up yorking himself, misses altogether and Mudford does the rest. Niels Etman joins Ingram.

Cautious from Verhagen and Ingram too, the latter having copped a nasty blow to the head ducking into a short ball from Fraser a couple of overs back. Came through the concussion test okay though it seems. Baker into the attack now replacing Fraser. Just a single off his first over. Snoep sticks with Scheepers at the other end though and is rewarded with a wicket, Verhagen looking to brush that off the pads down leg but doesn’t connect, into the pad and up goes the finger. Lubbers at five.

Slow going at Hazelaarweg as Sayed and van der Merwe look to consolidate. Still McKenzie and Jain for VOC.

Excelsior lose their second too, short from Fraser, Etman on the pull and edges behind. Ingram in with Verhagen now.

Even worse start for ACC – they’re two for two in two as Shreyas Potdar, promoted up to open again, is caught behind off Aaditt Jain last ball of the first over, before McKenzie from the other end strikes with his first ball to trap Rahil Ahmed LBW. Sayed and van der Merwe the new bats.

Darren Mitchell and Tim Etman open the batting for Excelsior, Cameron Fraser to open the bowling. First delivery is wide down leg, next is down leg again but Mitchell gets a tickle on it, into the keeper’s gloves and gone. one for one in one – not a great start for the hosts. Verhagen at three sees out the over. Scheepers will share the new ball.

ACC win the toss at Hazelaarweg and elect to bat.

Word from Thurlede is Sparta have won the toss and invited Excelsior to bat first.