Panhala Panthers opting to bat first at Asthapailu Cricket Ground in Pune made a total of 172/4 in 20 overs with every batsman who came to the crease contributing with the bat. It was a collective batting effort with openers Mahesh Hirpara (31 runs) and Captain Tushar Koli (25 runs) putting on 43 runs in the first powerplay. Yogesh S at no.3 remained unbeaten on 32* batting till the end while Paresh and Sandeep Lolage contributed with quick cameos scoring 28 each. Shubham Balwadkar coming in the final over smashed a quick 13* including a six as Panhala Panthers reached a healthy total to defend.
Rajgad Raje in reply were all out for 131 runs in 17.3 overs as the experienced Shamal Palod once again proved to be the game changer. Shamal returned with match winning bowling performance as he took 5/18 in 3.3 overs. Shamal’s timely breakthroughs changed the momentum in his team’s favor as they rightly won the match by 41 runs.
Shamal who is now the top wicket taker in the tournament with 10 wkts in 3 matches was declared ‘man of the match”
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