Played at Parsee Cyclists, Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Datamatics opting to bat first posted a total of 128/10 in 31 overs. Most of the batters found it difficult to get going as Spinner Chirag Panchal ran through opposition’s batting line up with a brilliant fifer. Chirag heavily dented Datamatics middle order as he returned with excellent bowling figures of 5/33 in 7 overs. Kshitij Metkar also chipped in with wickets taking 3/23 in 8 overs.
Blue Duck Holiday Pvt Ltd chasing 129 did look in trouble at one stage with half of the team back to pavilion with 76 runs on the board, however, the experienced Hrishikesh Puranik and Chirag Panchal chipped in with crucial cameos to take their team home. Hrishikesh scored 29 off 34 balls while Chirag remained unbeaten on 13* off 18 balls.
Chirag who was initially a pacer when he joined Cricket Explained Academy is now a ambidexterous spinner who bowls right arm off spin when bowling to left handers and left arm spin when bowling to right handers. Seems like, this transition under Coach Hrishikesh Puranik is paying for Chirag as he is now getting noticed while also picking up wickets at will.
Result: Blue Duck Holiday Pvt Ltd won by 3 wkts, Chirag Panchal declared ‘man of the match”
