NMCA: Ankush Sharma’s incredible performance for Northern Socials

A North Metro Cricket Association star has laid an early claim to the best performance of the season. Here’s what happened and why it almost didn’t.

The new cricket season may only be one week old but we could have already seen the best individual performance of the season.

Ankush Sharma from Northern Socials lit up the opening round of the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield with a stunning all-round performance.

He scored 99 runs of 71 balls at the top of the order to guide his side to 9-214 from their 40 overs, falling short of a century.

Then he was thrown the ball and took a remarkable 7-28 in 6.3 overs to have reigning premiers Preston Baseballers all out for 174.

The Baseballers are Sharma’s former club who he departed at the end of last season.

Northern Socials captain Alex Williamson was in awe of his new teammate’s stunning performance.

“It was really good, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it,” he said on Monday.

“He was very unlucky to get out when he was batting. He came down the wicket and got high on what we thought was the thigh guard.

Ankush Sharma made 99 and then backed it up with 7-28. Photo: Supplied.

“I actually didn’t even know he could bowl before the weekend. When our coach pulled out because he was sick, we threw him the ball to see what he could do.

“He bowls medium pace and delivers a pretty heavy ball. I think we’ve definitely found another bowler.

“I think it’s a performance which is going to have the rest of the competition on notice.”

Williamson said Sharma’s free flowing style allowed his teammates to be more comfortable when they came to the crease.

Sharma’s innings included 15 boundaries and two sixes.

“The par score on our ground is usually about 170 or 180 in a 40-over game,” he said.

“With the score we had on the board, it was easier for boys to come out in the back end of the innings and try to score quickly.

“Preston Baseballers are obviously very well respected having won back-to-back premierships so we’re really happy with our start to the season.”