After an intense season full of exciting matches and individual performances, the Designer Premier League which has now become a brand in itself witnessed amazing matches this season where lots of new talents and teams emerged. It was a season of breakthrough performances and team efforts which made the tournament all the more exciting. Shivneri Warriors and Pratapgad Royals are the two finalists who have fought their way to the top defeating two very promising contenders Torna Tigers and Panhala Panthers this season.
In the all-important semi-finals which took place on 7th of December, 2024, Shivneri clashed with the powerful Torna Tigers who were probably one of the strongest teams in the tournament. However, in the semis, Shivneri got the upper hand as Asthapailu Cricket Ground restricting Torna Tigers to 120 all out in 19 overs. Torna Tigers which almost faced a batting collapse got back into the game thanks to Sunil Jadhav’s 57 at the middle order helping them reach a respectable total.
Shivneri Warriors chased down the score quite comfortably with Raj Bhoite remaining unbeaten on 34* while Shwetketu scoring 38 runs. Shivneri Warriors won the match by 6 wkts qualifying into the finals which will be played on 8th of December on the same ground while Girish Oak who bowled a crucial spell of 3/16 in 4 overs including a maiden for Shivneri Warriors was declared ‘Player of the match”
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In the 2nd Semi-Finals between Panhala Panthers and Pratapgad Royals, Panhala batting first were all out for just 119 runs in 17.2 overs. Opener Mahesh Hirpara with 49 runs was the top scorer while rest of the batters found it difficult to get going. Thanks to Shirke’s impactul spell of 4/26 in 4 overs including a maiden. Shirke was well supported by Vimal Hansraj who took 3/13 in 4 overs.
Pratapgad Royals in reply won the match with complete authority, courtesy their Captain Shubham Shingate who led from the front with a match winning half century. Shubham went all guns blazing as he went on to score 74* off 41 balls which included 9 boundaries and 3 sixes while stitching a 108 run opening stand with Sammed Patil who scored 38 runs.
Pratapgad Royals took mere 12 overs to win the semis and reach the ultimate finale of the tournament while Shirke for his 4wkt haul was declared ‘man of the match”
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