CMCC re-established their lead at the top of the Chiang Mai Senior League as they gained their fourth win in five matches by beating Lanna by five wickets in a high-scoring thriller at Gymkhana.
Lanna batted first as stand-in captain Richard Cowles won the toss and although Burhan was bowled by Shoaib for just 1 Martin Cardno continued his rich vein of form and was well supported by newcomer and fellow Kiwi Jackson Rhind.
The pair added a mighty 147 for the second wicket in one of the biggest partnerships ever seen in the Chiang Mai Senior League. Cardno had benefited from several dropped catches so it was a surprise when Shushir clutched the ball to his chest to cut short Cardno on 93 and his fellow Kiwi fell shortly afterwards as he was bowled by Ismail for 57.
Jon Scales looked ready to hit powerfully in the later stages of the innings but was run out as Peter Watson, team-mate of Chairman Tom in the old days in England, tried to take a run when he hit the ball back to the bowler. Watson used up 23 balls for his 20 and even with Captain Cowles at number six in an impressive batting line-up a total of 221 for 5 was possibly fa few runs fewer than had seemed likely.
CMCC had scored 215 for 7 two weeks earlier only for Lanna Thais to chase down their target so we knew we were in for another exciting match once Jigar and Tanvir got settled in. Jigar made 52 before being caught behind but Tanvir has scored runs on a regular basis and Ismail looked determined to keep his side up with the rate.
Tanvir completed yet another fifty but Jackson Rhind showed he was also a useful bowled as he dismissed both Tanvir and Ismail to put pressure on CMCC. Shishir looked a class player batting at number six and after a nervous start Yasir finished the match in great style by hitting a four and a six to give CMCC victory by five wickets with three balls to spare.
Given there are only three teams in the league we are seeing some fine cricket and CMCC may still need one more victory to claim the league title as Lanna Thais can still draw level with CMCC if they win their last two matches.