Virgo Super Kings seemed to have pulled up their socks in time after a shoddy performance against Gemini Arabians only 24 hours ago to snatch a 12-run win over Capricorn Commanders at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and become the second team to book their place in the semifinals of the Oxigen Masters Champions League.
Some tight and accurate bowling from Malinga Bandara (4/16), Brett Lee (2/25) and Azhar Mahmood (1/17) helped Virgo restrict Capricorn to 119 for 9 after their batsmen, led by Neil McKenzie in the absence of the injured Graeme Smith, managed a formidable 131 for 9 from their allotted 20 overs.
To be fair to Capricorn they were cruising towards their target. Andrew Symonds and Ashwell Prince looked untroubled as they took their team past the 50-run mark.
However, tragedy struck in the form of umpire Billy Taylor who gave a well-settled Symonds out LBW although the ball clearly hit his bat. The decision left the Australian furious as he trudged his way back to the pavilion.
Billy Taylor goofed up again when he ruled Rikki Clarke out, this time the batsman was clearly outside the off-stump going for a sweep shot. Both these dismissals, when the batsmen were set, upset their rhythm and Virgo capitalised on it to canter home.
Abdul Razzaq, standing in for Paul Collingwood as captain, was peeved with the umpire's decision. Speaking to the media after the match the former Pakistan medium pace bowler said that umpiring should be of some standard and if MCL are looking to do well then they should look into it.
His counterpert Brett Lee was more than happy to get the decisions Virgo's way.
"Some days go with you and some against you. I thought Symonds was pretty unlucky but we will take it."
Earlier Virgo won the toss and batted first. The side made three changes, resting Dirk Nannes, Murali Kartik and Jacob Oram. But more than their bowling it was their batting that has failed to live up to expectations. And with Capricorn simply brilliant in the field it made life more difficult for them.
Rikki Clarke showed how a spectacular catch in the deep can transform a side. Covering at least 15 metres from the boundary rope the Englishman charged out and, for a second with the glare of the sun in his eyes, almost lost contact with the trajectory of the ball but made a timely lunge with his right hand sticking out to pull off a sensational catch.
That inspired the rest of the teammates to excel in the field and they delivered with two brilliant run-outs to keep Virgo to 131.
Neil McKenzie captained Virgo and once again top-scored with 43. Hassan Raza remained unbeaten on 32.
Capricorn's chase began well until the two dubious decisions, while Abdul Razzaq, known for finishing many a close match for his country, was unable to produce any fireworks.
"It was not a big target and we were not under any pressure. But the ball has been keeping low so it's difficult to hit fours and sixes and they were bowling in good areas so that's where we lost the game," said Razzaq.
Capricorn still stand an outside chance of making the semis. At the time of going to press they were on four points along with Sagittarius Strikers and Leo Lions.
On the other hand, Virgo produced a collective effort.
"Today collectively as a bowling unit we were very good, we fielded pretty good. I thought we were 20 to 30 runs short while batting. But like we saw in our first couple of games where we batted well and didn't bowl too good and still won," said Lee.
Lee said the team is quietly confident of Smith playing in the semis.
"He is such a big player and a great captain. I was also impressed by (Neil) McKenzie's captaincy today. I thought he was outstanding."
clareto@khaleejtimes.com

Brief scores: