A solid batting display from Aman Khan (71 runs) and a fine all-round performance from Raunaq Sharma (35 runs and 3 for 26 runs) were the highlights as defending champions Parsee Gymkhana recorded a crushing 65-run defeat on Payyade CC in the final of the 69th Nawab Salar Jung Invitation T20 Cricket Tournament, which is being organised by the Islam Gymkhana under the auspices of the Mumbai Cricket Association, at the Islam Gymkhana ground on Saturday.
The triumphant Parsee Gymkhana players receive the ‘Champions Trophy’ from Chief Guest, Mr. Shah Alam, Managing Director, Bombay Mercantile Co-Operative Bank Ltd., after the the final of the 69th Nawab Salar Jung Invitation T20 Cricket Tournament .
Electing to bat first, Parsee Gym recovered from a shaky start to post a challenging total of 209 for the loss of 6 wickets from their quota of 20 overs. Later their bowlers showed a lot of discipline and accuracy and backed by good support from the fielders they restricted the Payyade batter to a measly 144 runs for 9 wickets from their stipulated 20 overs.
Aman Khan, the number three batsman, who came in at the fall of opener Aakarshit Gomel’s (7 runs) wicket in the very second over, put up a brave front as he batted solidly to give momentum to the Parsee Gym innings. He scored a 41-ball 71 runs with six cracking boundaries and three well-timed sixes. He and number batsman Sharma were associated in 67 runs for the 3rd wicket and he then added 31 runs for the 4th wickets with Kaizar Dafedar (27 runs) to take Parsee Gym past the 150 runs mark. Later, Dafedar and Shams Mulani, who smashed a 12-ball 44 knock, put together a solid 53 runs partnership for the fifth wicket which further propped the innings, which closed at 209.
In reply, the Payyade batsmen were unable to concentrate and stay long at the wicket. They seemed all at sea against leg spinner Sharma and off-break bowler Puneet Tripathi and they lost wickets at regular intervals and were never in the chase to achieve their target. Except for number four, left-handed Parag Khanapurkar (37 runs) and a late charge from Badre Alam (22 runs) there was no fight from the other Payyade batters. Sharma picked 3 for 26 runs from his four over and Puneet Tripathi got 2 for 22 runs to ensure Parsee Gym coasted to victory and defend their title.
Aman Khan was later declared ‘Man-of-the-match’.
Chief Guest, Mr. Shah Alam, Managing Director, Bombay Mercantile Co-Operative Bank Ltd., presented the 69th Nawab Salar Jung Trophy and other awards to the victorious Parsee Gymkhana players. Also present during the prize distribution function ere members of the Islam Gymkhana Managing Committee and member of the Gymkhana’s Cricket Sub-Committee.
Brief scores: Parsee Gymkhana 209 for 6 wickets, 20 overs (Aman Khan 71 (41 balls, 6x4s, 3x6s), Raunaq Sharma 35 (24 balls, 3x4s, 2x6s), Shams Mulani 44 (12 balls, 6x6s), Khizar Dafedar 27 (20 balls, 2x4s, 1x6s; Iqbal Abdulla 2 for 46) beat Payyade CC 144 for 9 wickets, 20 overs (Parag Khanapurkar 37 (20 balls, 3x4s, 2x6s), Badre Alam 19 (19 balls, 1x4s, 2x6s); Raunaq Sharma 3 for 26, Puneet Tripathi 2 for 22). Result: Parsee Gymkhana won by 65 runs.
Man-of-the-match: Aman Khan (Parsee Gymkhana).