Oriental Insurance defeated Air India by 4 wickets in the 14th Insurance Oriental elite shield T20 cricket tournament played at National Cricket Club ground at Cross Maidan.
Air India’s steady started, winning the toss and opting to bat, Air India’s Vishal Girap’s anchored a well-crafted 47 He played with maturity, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Lakshya supported him with a steady knock of 24, but the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under mounting pressure.
In return, Oriental Insurance’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Aryaveer Rakesh, who delivered a lethal spell of 4/15, dismantling Air India’s middle order. His impeccable line and length left the batsmen struggling. Meet Patel chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, taking 2/27, while Santosh Suke’s disciplined bowling further stifled the scoring rate. Air India’s inability to forge strong partnerships saw them restricted to 137 all out.
Chasing the target, Oriental Insurance’s openers Aman Verma and Sumedh Nikam initially held firm 77 for no loss. The promising start was short-lived as they lost three consecutive wickets, plunging into trouble. With the top orders back in the pavilion, Air India sensed an opportunity to turn the tide.
As the match hung in the balance, Arthava Ghosalkar and Tarun Base stepped up during the tense phase. Calculating and composed approach under pressure ensured Oriental Insurance clinched a well-deserved victory, showcasing the depth and resilience of their batting lineup.
Oriental Insurance (Aman Verma 66, Sumedh Nikam; Sarthak Bhide 3/30) bt Air India 137 all out (Vishal Girap 47, Lakshya Jhawar 24; Aryaveer Rakesh 4/15, Meet Patel 2/27)
The 14th Insurance Shield Cricket Tournament was inaugurated at Cross Maidan, Mumbai, by Smt. V. Remadevi, Deputy General Manager of The Oriental Insurance Company MCA office bearers Shri Sandip Vichare and Shri Mangesh Satam, along with key organizers and distinguished well-wishers, graced the occasion, marking the grand commencement of this prestigious sporting event.