Raj makes new friends after watching cricket on TV in a bar. Follows on from 11.07. Everything belongs to the Chuck Lorre XI. Part 4 match day.

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

Just before the match started Raj was surprised see Howard at the sports field.

"What brings you here dude, I thought you were too cool for boring old cricket?"

"Well Raj, I thought I would come and support my friend today. Also Penny and Amy have come to see Bernie today with piles of Bridal magazines."

"Glad you could make it. Hey look Ruchi is here!"

"Hello Raj, glad to see you are educating your friend about the great game of cricket. I've got you a gift.

Ruchi gave Raj a blue India cricket shirt with 'Koothrappali' on the back.

Raj put the shirt on and gave Ruchi a hug but before he could do any more captain Bruce spoke

"OK Shane, time to play, we are fielding first."

"Coming Sachin. Enjoy the game Howard, Ruchi can you explain what is going on to Howard."

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

After 20 overs the students had scored 80 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, but Ibrahim Patel was 60 not out and looking very comfortable.

Bruce called Raj over.

"Fancy a bowl Shane? Ibrahim is not having any problems with the rest of us."

"OK Sachin, I'll have a go."

"That's the spirit, try and pitch it up."

As Raj prepared to bowl Ibrahim was at the non-strikers end. Before Raj started to bowl he introduced himself to Ibrahim.

"Hello Mr. Patel, I haven't introduced myself. I am Dr. Rajesh Koothrappali."

Raj's first delivery was a wide, the second was pushed away for a single and this brought Ibrahim on strike. Raj bowled a full toss which Ibrahim hit straight to Bruce who took an easy catch at mid off!

"Got him, well done Shane."

"Great catch Sachin."

With the loss of Ibrahim the students innings quickly folded, 100 all out.

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

When the staff batted Ibrahim's bowling was as good as his batting. The staff team had collapsed to 60-8, Ibrahim had taken 7 wickets. Bruce and Sheila took the score to 91-8, the students had managed to drop 3 catches. 10 runs to win and then Sheila went for one big hit too many and was bowled by Ibrahim. This brought last man Raj to the wicket.

"Well Shane, it's you and me. At least you are off strike and Ibrahim can't bowl at both ends. I'll try and get the runs off the other guy."

"Good luck to us Sachin."

Bruce managed to score 8 runs in the next over but he couldn't get on strike for Ibrahim's next over. This left Raj on strike to face Ibrahim with 2 runs to win.

"Hello again Mr. Patel. How's the PhD thesis?"

Raj couldn't lay a bat on Ibrahim's first three deliveries. For the fourth Raj took a wild swing and managed to top edge the ball over the fielders.

"Run Shane, Run" as Bruce came charging towards him, Raj set off and got to the other end. "Come on Shane, go for a second." Raj turned and ran for the second, he has to dive to get his bat over the crease but he made it just before the ball came back from the fielder.

Howard was sat with Ruchi who suddenly started screaming!

"What's happening Ruchi, is Raj OK."

"He did it, Raj won the game for the staff."

Ruchi ran onto the field and gave Raj a hug. Then Ibrahim went up to Raj and shook his hand.

"Well done Dr. Koothrappali."

"Thank you Mr. Patel."