HAVERFORD, Pa. - Haverford Cricket capped off their spring season with their annual participation in the Philadelphia International Cricket Festival. After a gritty victory in their opening match, the Fords faced off against steep competition which included the two most recent tournament winners. Haverford went on to drop their three remaining matches before the final match was rained out.
Haverford had a ripping start to the tournament; Junior Mohanish Bajaj and Sophomore Ishpuneet Singh produced economical bowling spells with each going for less than 16 runs in their 4 overs. Add a few sharp runouts, a pair of wickets from Bajaj, and another from first year Sanil Kagalwala and Haverford needed to chase a humble 105 runs for victory.
After a couple top order misfires left Haverford for 54-5, Haverford's lower order consistently chipped away at total alongside an unbeaten Bajaj, chasing the total down with 2.1 overs to spare.
Haverford faced both previous tournament winners on Friday. Haverford took consistent wickets in their first match against the Buckeyes but were consistently greeted by hard-hitting mid- and lower-order batsmen. In a match where no other bowler went for less than seven runs per over, Bajaj's spell of 20-2 in his four overs was notable for its economy, as was senior Joshua Corbett's three-wicket haul in just two overs.
Bajaj and Junior Sidd Phatak gave the Fords a hearty opening stand of 56 runs in their chase of 175. However, the 120-odd runs required after their departure in the 10th and 11th overs, respectively, proved too monumental a total to chase. Haverford finished their innings 64 runs short of winning, despite defiant stands by Junior Deep Patel with 11 off 11 and Corbet with 16 off 11.
Haverford's next match versus West Haven Cricket Club brought no more success. An early collapse saw Haverford sitting at 4-10 in the powerplay. First year Anuj Poddar and Junior Aniketh Rao provided the only hope for Haverford's survival. Their 53 run fifth-wicket stand gave the innings much needed stability with both batsmen reaching personal best scores of 20 and 26 respectively.
West Haven's batsmen proved too experienced for Haverford. Putting even the best deliveries away, the visitors struck at 10 runs an over, chasing Haverford's total in the 10th over.
Saturday's match against the Kookaburra Cricket Club failed to provide the Fords a final victory. Haverford's top order provided another phenomenal start, with Phatak scoring 32 and Bajaj an unbeaten 42. Haverford's lower order was uncharacteristically unsteady, however, and the Fords only managed a total of 126.
Hoping for better bowling conditions in the second innings, the weather reports apparently conspired against Haverford. With the first innings' drizzle intensifying, Haverford's bowlers struggled to grip the ball while their fielders struggled to take catches. The Kookaburras overtook the Haverford total in under 15 overs.
While this marked a disappointing end to Haverford's otherwise strong spring season, there is reason for optimism from Fords fans. Phatak and Bajaj fired at the top order more often than not, providing Haverford consistent starts. The unorthodox Rao proved he was more than a wide-inducer, scoring 47 runs across the tournament. Singh, Phatak, Kagalwala, Bajaj and Corbett all took wickets consistently. And finally, senior captain Rebecca Stern has become a standout standing up to the stumps, taking three dismissals across the four matches. Even more impressive, two of the three were off stumpings provided by Stern's reliable and quick hands.
While Haverford will be taking their talents across the pond at the end of May, this marked the final matches on Cope Field for our seniors.
We say goodbye to Joshua Moon-Ball™ Corbett and his irreplicable personality. Always knowing when to drop a cheeky sledge, Corbett struck a balance between lighthearted fun and a serious desire to win. His knack for dismissing batsmen in the most embarrassing possible way, as well as his boundary hitting cameos will surely be missed.
Despite battling persistent injury, Samanyu Kurra amassed 346 runs over his collegiate career. His grit and determination to contribute with the bat was only outdone by his calming and cheerful presence both on and off the field. He brought maturity and kindness to the team, being just as happy to see his teammates succeed as he was to succeed himself.
Senior Captain Rebecca Stern caps off her career with 28 dismissals. A spinner's dream behind the stumps, her exponential growth as a keeper meant she finished the 2023-2024 season with 6 stumpings. In addition to being the best keeper in recent memory, her selfless leadership, empathy, outsized presence in the field, and passion for athletics has made her an essential part of crafting one of the best teams in recent history.
Betrayed by his hamstring, Senior Captain Eugene Yang took 35 wickets throughout his career, despite missing most of the spring season. In addition to demonstrating immense personal growth throughout his collegiate career, he was fundamental to bringing a degree of professionalism to the team's strength and conditioning regimens. Expecting nothing but 110% effort, he was steadfast in his encouragement, endowing the next generation of Haverford cricketers with the discipline they need to continue the program's success.
Finally, we remember Nate Moore, whose senior season this would have been. Loved by his teammates and coaches alike, Moore was a beautiful person who brought joy to everyone he met. Whether he was making his famous smooth catches at the boundary, smashing the 6s for which he became so noted, or getting stumped-out yet again, he bore the brightest smile that touched everyone he met. We will always carry with us his exceptional work ethic and indelible kindness and will forever miss our dear friend. We love you Nate.
