SIMI SINGH - IP PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Simi Singh was awarded the Interpro Player of the Year Award for 2020 at the Annual Irish Cricket Awards which were held via YouTube on Friday evening last.
Simi had an excellent season at interprovincial level, showing his significant all-round value to the Leinster Lightning team that won both trophies.
In 50-over competition, Simi batted three times, with one not out. He scored 104 runs at a strike rate of 104, while also taking 4 catches.
On the bowling side he was bowled 33.5 overs, taking 10 wickets, topping the averages at 13.70 per wicket. He took a wicket every 20.30 balls and had an economy rate of just over 4 runs per over.
In the first match against the Northern Knights – a key fixture – Simi scored 26 runs in quick time as LL set a highly competitive 306. With the ball Simi took the seasons best figures of 4/42 as he got the critical wickets of Wilson and Getkate. NK were bowled out for 215 in 42.5 overs, with Simi also taking a catch to cap an all-round performance.
This was followed by a trip to Bready to take on the North West Warriors. In this match LL won the toss and fielded, restricting NWW to 205/8 in 50 overs. Simi bowled a full spell, with excellent figures of 1/24. In reply LL only used three batsmen in a rain shortened victory.
Back at home a few days later, the Northern Knights were again the opponents. The Knights were restricted to 240 in 50 overs, with Simi taking 2/44 off 8 overs and a catch. His victims were James McCollum, when well set, and the dangerous Mark Adair.
In reply LL chased the total with 7 overs to spare, with 63* off 59 balls from Simi vital to the comprehensive victory. This was another key performance from Simi against the Northern Knights, the key opponents for Leinster Lightning.
In the final match of the season against the North West Warriors, LL were first in the field. They bowled NWW out for 132 in only 32 overs, with the key performance from Simi with a spell of 7 overs, three wickets for 27 runs. In reply LL chased the total within 27 overs, with Simi contributing 15 off 13 balls as LL sought to beat the incoming weather and seal the win.
It’s clear that Simi was an integral part of the LL 50 over team strategy and that he delivered match winning performances every time he took the field.
Inter-Provincial One-Day Series:
Batting: 3 inns, 1 not out, 104 runs, Average 52 (top), S/R 104, 4 catches
Bowling: 33.5 overs, 1 maiden, 10/137. BB 4/42 (best), Average 13.70 (top), S/R 20.30, Econ 4.04
In the 20 over matches, Simi batted twice, was never dismissed and scored 64 runs at a strike rate of 108.47. He also took three catches.
On the bowling side he bowled 13 overs, was leading wicket taker in the competition with 8 wickets, at an average of 6.62 per wicket. He took a wicket every 9.75 balls and had an economy rate of just over 4 runs per over.
The first match of the series was at home to Munster Reds and LL were simply too strong. Munster were dismissed for 76, with Simi taking 1 wicket for 12 off his 4 overs. He also took one catch. He was not required to bat as LL chased the total in 8 overs.
The next match (after a washout), was at home to the North West Warriors. Leinster batted first and made 124 with Simi hitting 25* at a run a ball. In reply Simi took 3/11 off 2 overs, including the key wicket of Porterfield, the only Warrior to make a batting impact. He also took a catch.
Leinster Lightning’s next match was in Cork against Munster Reds. Munster were again dismissed for 76, with Simi taking 1/15 off 3 overs. His one wicket was the Munster captain (and YMCA teammate) Jack Tector. Simi was not required to bat as LL chased the total in 9.4 overs.
In their home match against the Northern Knights, the visitors were put in to bat and made 128 all out. Simi took 3/15 off his 4 overs, with Harry Tector, Gary Wilson (again) and Mark Adair (again) his victims. In reply Simi showed his finishing skills making the top score of 39* off 34 balls as LL won with an over to spare.
Like with the 50 over format, Simi makes an impact every time he takes the field and was a key, match winning part of the LL team.
Inter-Provincial Twenty20 Series:
Batting: 2 inns, never out, 64 runs, S/R 108.47, 3 catches
Bowling: 13 overs, 8/53 (leading wicket taker), BB 3/11, Average 6.62, S/R 9.75, Econ 4.07
Everyone in Leinster would like to congratulate Simi on winning the IP player of the year award in recognition of his fantastic all-round contribution as Leinster Lightning completed the Double (IP50 & IP20) again.