The cricket fever was at an all-time high as the talented UCLA Cricket Team, led by the charismatic captain Kulveer Setya and his vice-captain Anirudh Rao, embarked on their thrilling journey to the NCCA National Championship in 2023. Their passion for the sport and determination to succeed had brought them to the Winter Quarter Finals, and now they were ready to take on the world in Houston.
The journey began in their home city of Los Angeles, where the team, with adrenaline pumping through their veins, wrote a captivating chapter in their cricketing history. The excitement was palpable as they boarded the plane, ready to make their mark on the grand stage.
However, just like any great adventure, theirs was not without its share of twists and turns. Upon landing in Houston, they faced an unexpected challenge. Abhigya Sodani, one of the team's stars, lost his suitcase during transit. Anxiety gripped the team momentarily, but their spirits soared when they discovered that the suitcase was later found. With Abhigya's gear retrieved, the team's confidence was restored, and they were all set to face the challenges that lay ahead.
The atmosphere was intense as the first game against Yale drew closer. The team practiced diligently, refining their skills and strategies. The Prarie View Cricket Complex awaited them, ready to witness some electrifying cricket action.
Their first match against Yale turned out to be a grand display of skill and determination. The UCLA bowlers, Anish Deshpande and captain Kulveer Setya, showcased their prowess, restricting Yale to a modest 85/8 in 20 overs. In response, the batsmen, Achyutha Kodavatikanti, Abhinav Madabhushi, and Trinabh Sahni, launched a splendid assault, scoring 86 runs in just 15 overs. The bowling attack proved to be pivotal, ensuring victory for UCLA.
As they relished the taste of victory, the team celebrated their success at CAVA, savoring not only the victory but also the camaraderie that made their bond even stronger. Syed Tamim Ahmad and Trinabh Sahni decided to rejuvenate their muscles with a cold plunge, gearing up for the next challenge.
The next game was the eagerly anticipated face-off against arch-rivals UC Berkeley. However, nature had different plans, as the game was curtailed by rain. Nevertheless, UCLA managed to restrict UC Berkeley to 99/9 in 15 overs. UCLA's batsmen wasted no time, scoring an impressive 51 runs without losing any wickets in just 6.2 overs, securing a thrilling victory by DLS (Revised Target 28).
The third game against Purdue University was a battle of skill and strategy. Despite their best efforts, some misfielding and a beautiful display of cricket by Purdue resulted in a loss for UCLA. Nonetheless, their previous victories secured their spot in the Quarter Finals, where they faced Rutgers University with renewed optimism.
In the Quarter Finals, the young team showcased exceptional batting brilliance. Achyutha Kodavatikanti and Abhinav Madabhushi unleashed a flurry of shots, sending the balls flying left and right. UCLA scored a staggering 148 runs for the loss of just two wickets in 10 overs. Their bowlers rose to the occasion, effectively defending the score and letting Rutgers score only 58/5 in 10 overs.
The Semi-Finals brought both excitement and heartbreak. UCLA faced the University of Houston in their final match of the season. Houston batted first and scored a formidable 153 runs in 15 overs. UCLA fought valiantly but could only manage 115 runs, losing by 38 runs. Syed Tamim Ahmad entertained the audiences with his interesting commentary, even as he was fasting.
Despite the disappointment, back at the hotel, Captain Kulveer Setya congratulated the team for their remarkable journey, reaching the semi-finals. The young team showed immense promise and resilience, ready to come back stronger and hungrier next year.
The team stayed in Houston for a few more days, cherishing their time together. Trinabh Sahni's family graciously hosted them, where they made cherished memories at Top Golf, played basketball, feasted on tantalizing torchies tacos, and enjoyed a game of Secret Hitler.
The NCCA National Championship '23 was a rollercoaster of emotions for the UCLA Cricket Team. Their journey of camaraderie, triumph, and resilience will be etched in their hearts forever. As they return to Los Angeles, they do so with their heads held high, knowing that they have left an unforgettable legacy on the cricket field. The team looks forward to returning next year, ready to embrace new challenges and create more extraordinary memories on their path to cricketing glory.
