90’s by Naman Ojha and Gomel steer Air India to a win while Naushad and Shoaib Shaikh smash impressive tons in the Times Cricket Shield ‘17
A high profile match consisting of players from the Indian National Team, IPL and Ranji, this match was surely going to be a high octane event as both the teams were equally powerful and talented. Played between Air India Sports Club and DY Patil group ‘A’, DY Patil won the toss and elected to field first with an aim of restricting the powerful line up of Air india to a low total.
However, Air India proved DY that their decision wasn’t the wisest of all as they went on to notch up 539runs in 112.5 overs in their 1st innings. Promising opener Akarshit Gomel gave a terrific start with his solid 99 falling just 1run short of what could have been a deserving ton. Moondeep who came in at no.3 also played well as he chipped in with a half century. India Cap and one of the most stylist batsman and attacking wicket-keepers of IPL, Naman Ojha marked his presence with an elegant 96 off 154balls. With this knock, Naman has already given signs that he is in very good touch while the in-form Paul Valthaty smashed an aggressive 74 off 60balls making it his 5th score of 70+ this season in the last one month. Sagar(63) and Sandeep(45) at the lower middle order also contributed well taking the score to 539. DY Patil on the other hand were all out for 294runs. Thanks to the in-form Shubham Ranjane who saved his team from a embarrassment scoring an attacking 95 while Naushad also resurrected the innings with his splendid 102 off 90balls. At one point DY Patil were stuck at 32/3 but it was these two who stitched an 184run stand together.
DY Patil eventually got a follow on as they batted for another 49overs in their 2nd innings scoring 291 for the loss of 4wkts before the end of the game’s play. Opener Shoaib Shaikh scored a gritty 145 off 156 balls (22fours, 1six) at the top of the order taking on the bowlers confidently this time while Shubham continuing his purple patch with a yet another half century. Air India won the match on 1st innings and it was definitely a collectively good batting perfomance which helped them win the match. It was also good to see experienced players like Naman and Paul getting into their groove as they are really looking in good touch which is a very good signal for their IPL Teams.
CRICKETGRAPH