Dharamji Morarji CC showed tremendous determination and fighting spirit to snatch a tense and thrilling 5-run victory against Mumbai Police Gymkhana ‘B’ team to win the Elite Division title in the 10th Oriental Insurance Shield T20 Inter-Office Cricket Tournament, organised by Oriental Insurance Corporation under the aegis of MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association) and played at the Mumbai Police Gymkhana ground, Marine Drive.
Sent in to bat first, Dharamji Morarji batsmen were kept under control by the Mumbai Police bowlers, who despite bowling well, did not get the support and were badly let down by the fielders as over half dozen catches were dropped. Dharamji Morarji took advantage of those lapses and managed to score 130 runs for 6 wickets from their quota of 20 overs. Ridya Khandke made 32 runs from 30 balls and Nisar Shaikh also contributed a 24-ball 32 runs. Rohit Bhere 2 for 11 and Aaryaraj Nikam 2 for 29 were the pick of the Mumbai Police bowlers.
Defending a modest total, Dharamji Morarji rose to the challenge and their bowlers, in particular medium pacer Raj Madhavan, who claimed 3 wickets for 13 runs. The bowlers received solid backing from the fielders who saved quite a number of runs in the deep and managed to restrict Mumbai Police to 125 for 6 wickets from the stipulated 20 overs. Opener Rohan Bhosale led Mumbai Police charge with a 38-ball 41 runs, but the other batters failed to stay long and score quick runs, which proved to be their downfall.
Later, Madhavan was named Man of the Match.
Chief Guests Sanjay Naik, Secretary, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Shahalam Shaikh, Joint Secretary, MCA, Deepak Jadhav, Mumbai Ranji Trophy player, along with Oriental Insurance Company’s DGM Rekha Mohanty, DGM Chaitan Raout, and DGM Shailey Dheer, and Jitendra Ingle, Joint Secretary, Oriental Insurance Sports Club, and other dignitaries presided over the Prize Distribution function.
Brief scores: Dharamji Morarji CC 130 for 6 wickets, 20 overs (Ridya Khandke 32(30, Nisar Shaikh 32(24; Rohit Bhere 2/11, Aaryaraj Nikam 2/29) beat Mumbai Police Gymkhana ‘B’ 125 for 6 wickets, 20 overs (Rohan Bhosale 41(38, Pradnesh Lad 19 not out; Raj Madhavan 3/13). Result: Dharamji Morarji CC won by 5 runs.