the goan I network
PANAJI
DY Patil brought down Air India to their knees to eventually win at a canter in a high-scoring affair in a Group A fixture in Goa Cricket Association’s Goa Corporate League at Academy ground, Porvorim, on Thursday.
Electing to field first on winning the toss, DY Patil bowlers -- save for one -- were sent on a leather hunt by Air India opener Rohit Prakash, who soared to an unbeaten 120 off just 66 deliveries, helped with 16 boundaries and six maximums, to prop up his side to a massive 186/4 in the stipulated 20 overs. Only orthodox spinner, Iqbal Abdulla -- who plies his trade for Mumbai in the domestic circuit -- escaped unscathed though going wicketless, conceding only 22 runs from his four-over quota.
Chasing a daunting target, DY Patil were dealt an early blow when Vision Panchal cleaned up Prabhsimran Singh (3) with the score reading 12. The other opener, Shashank Singh along with Parth Sahani saw themselves in and gradually built up the ante, taking the opposition attack by the scruff much to the delight to the sparse spectators in attendance.
Shashank switched to sixth gear to pale the other centurion’s effort in the game to take his bat through in the chase with a blistering 107 not out in only 52 balls with seven boundaries and as many heaves over the ropes. His ally, Sahani did exceptionally well to compile an unbeaten 60 in only 39 deliveries, studded with six boundaries and three hits over the ropes, as he put on a belligerent unconquered 175-run second-wicket stand as DY Patil romped home by nine wickets by reaching 187/1 in 15.5 overs. With this big win, the undefeated DY Patil topped their group. Shashank was declared as the Player of the match.
Meanwhile, in the day’s other match -- a Group B fixture played under floodlights, IOC and RBI squared off in a dead rubber as both teams were knocked out with a game in hand. IOC bowled out RBI for 124 before cantering home in 14 overs to register their first win of the tournament and bow out with three points.
In the last two league matches of the tournament on Friday, Tata Sports will take on Goa Lions at 2 pm in Group B, while Vijaya Bank play ONGC in the concluding Group A match at 6.30 pm.
