Opening batsman Kastubh Pawar stole the thunder with a magnificent unbeaten knock of 188, which powered Karnatak Sporting Association to an overwhelming 8-wicket victory against host Mumbai Police on the second day of their two-day semi-final match of the Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. sponsored 69th Police Invitation Shield Cricket Tournament – 2016, and played at the Police Gymkhana ground, Marine Drive, on Sunday.
Kastubh Pawar
Mumbai Police resuming at their overnight score of 217 for 7, were finally dismissed for 283 in 68.3 overs. Openers Hersh Tank (94) and Swapnil Pradhan (52), both helped the policemen get to a decent total. Karnatak’s offspinner Akshay Hirap (4/41) and medium pacer Shivam Dubey (3/81) were responsible for restricting the policemen.
Later, Pawar took centre stage and was dominant from the start as he played some terrific shots to all corners of the ground. Pawar’s unblemished effort came from 156 balls and he plundered 28 boundaries and 7 well-timed sixes during his 189 minutes stay at the crease.
Pawar along with his opening partner Anup Revendkar (26) scored at a brisk pace and put on 78 runs for the first wicket before the latter was trapped leg before by Yash Chavan, who picked up both the Karnatak wickets.
He then along with new batsman Rudra Dhanday (38) added 83 runs for the second wicket to put the visitors in the drivers’ seat. Later, Pawar continued to pile on the runs and in the company of Eknath Kerkra, he saw Karnatak cross the finish line without any more hiccups and with plenty to spare.
In the other semi-final, MIG Cricket Club registered a three-wicket win against hosts Bombay Gymkhana. MIG did well to dismiss Bombay Gymkhana for a paltry 186 in 55 overs. Swapnil Salvi (68), Vikrant Auti (44) and Tanmay Mishra (30*) got some runs in the middle. Vinit Dhulap (4/54) and Pratik Dabholkar (3/65) were among the wickets for MIG.
In reply, MIG struggled and bit but managed to score 187 for 7 wickets in 45.4 overs to emerge victorious. Sandeep Kunchikor (50) and Siddharth Chitnis (39) made useful contributions to ensure MIG surpassed the winning target.
Karnatak SA and MIG CC will meet in the 3-day final, which is tentatively scheduled to be played later this weekend (Firday, Saturday, Sunday).
Brief scores:
Mumbai Police: 283 all out in 68.3 overs (Hersh Tank 94, Swapnil Pradhan 52 , Shrikant Limbole 47; Akshay Girap 4/41, Shivam Dubey 3/81) lost to Karnatak Sporting Association: 287 for 2 wickets in 45.5 overs (Kaustubh Pawar 188* (Min. 189, Balls-156, 28×4, 7×6), Rudra Dhanday 38). Result: Karnatak Sporting Association by 8 wickets.
Bombay Gymkhana: 186 all out in 55 overs (Swapnil Salvi 68, Vikrant Auti 44, Tanmay Mishra 30*; Vinit Dhulap 4/54, Pratik Dabholkar 3/65) lost to MIG Cricket Club: 187 for 7 wickets in 45.4 overs (Sandeep Kunchikor 50, Siddharth Chitnis 39; Badre Alam 3/54). Result: MIG Cricket Club won by 3 wickets.