Team captains Irfan Pathan and Tillakaratne Dilshan at the Big Cricket League. Photo: X/Big Cricket League Team captains Irfan Pathan and Tillakaratne Dilshan at the Big Cricket League. Photo: X/Big Cricket League MP Tigers’ opener Saket Sharma produced a breathtaking century to help his team secure a 71-run win over the UP Brij Stars in game 6 of the Big Cricket League in Surat on Sunday (December 15, 2024). (More Cricket News)
Saket demolished the opposition bowlers, smashing a scintillating 100 off just 52 balls. He was well supported by Pawan Negi, who played an unbeaten knock of 87 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 228, propelling the Tigers to a formidable total of 239/3 in their 20 overs.
In response, the Brij Stars’ chase faltered early, losing three wickets in the powerplay. Despite the early blows, Chirag Gandhi showcased his class with a magnificent century, keeping the chase alive single-handedly. However, his efforts were in vain as the rest of the batting order crumbled under pressure. Stuart Binny, Jatin Sahay, and Faizal bowled in tandem to restrict the Brij Stars to 168/5.
Saket Sharma’s scintillating innings earned him the Man of the Match award, as his knock laid the foundation for the Tigers’ comprehensive win.
Big Cricket League Wrap: Southern Spartans Beat Rajasthan Regals; Mumbai Marines Edge Out UP Brij StarsIn game 7, the second game of the day, Mumbai Marines emerged victorious over the Rajasthan Regals, thanks to a sensational all-round performance by Jesal Karia.
Right after their touchdown, family members greeted the players with garlands and warm hugs, before accepting congratulations from the state political leaders such as minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla.
"There won't be a vacuum. Someone will come in my place, for sure. All the sports are like that. Sachin Tendulkar was there and now there is Virat Kohli, and someone will take his place tomorrow. So, Sreejesh was there yesterday, but someone else will come and take his place tomorrow," the goalkeeping stalwart told PTI in an interview at the India House in Paris.
Batting first, the Marines posted an imposing 209/3. Karia led the charge with a fiery 100 off 56 balls, ably supported by Mihir Agarwal at the top of the order. Skipper Irfan Pathan provided the finishing touch, smashing a quick-fire 33 at a strike rate of 250+, ensuring a strong total despite a disciplined spell by Shahbaz Nadeem.
In reply, the Regals started positively, with openers Samarth Srinivas and Tillakaratne Dilshan stitching together a solid partnership. Srinivas later teamed up with Amit Verma for a fighting 59-run stand. However, the chase unraveled as Jesal Karia shone with the ball, claiming 4 wickets and choking the run flow with his economical spell. His all-round effort ensured the Marines clinched a 40-run victory.
Karia was deservedly named Man of the Match for his impactful performance with both bat and balllucky sprite, delivering a crucial win for the Marines.