Rajgad Raje opting to bat first at Bapusaheb Cricket Ground in Pune made a total of 169/5 in 20 overs. Openers Pranay Ranka and Moulik Bharadwaj gave a flying start putting on 84 runs in 8.4 overs. Moulik registered his 2nd successive fifty scoring an impressive 51 off 29 balls smashing 4 fours and 4 sixes. Captain and wicket-keeper Mehul Rathod who came at no.3 played the anchors role holding fort from one end as he scored 55* off 40 balls smashing 6 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 137.50.
Raigad Pioneers almost did the job giving a brilliant tough fight but eventually they fell short by 9 runs scoring 160/8 in 20 overs. Despite a superb opening start by Akash (34 runs) and Mayur (34 runs), the rest of the batters below them could’nt capitalize as Rajgad Raje bowlers made life difficult for them post the wickets of their openers. In a match where almost every bowler from both sides conceded runs at above 6 runs per over, Rikunj Shah bowled a terrific spell of 4/16 in 4 overs including wicket of opener Mayur who was looking dangerous at one point.
In an amazing sportsmanship, Captain Mehul Rathod handed over his Man of the Match award to Rikunj, a sweet gesture promoting brotherhood and teamwork as Rajgad Raje won the match by 9 runs.
