Opening batsmen Hersh Tank (94) and Swapnil Pradhan (52), both played valuable knocks which helped hosts Mumbai Police to close out the first day’s play at 217 for the loss of 7 wickets in 56 overs against Karnatak Sporting Association in the two-day semi-final of the Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. sponsored 69th Police Invitation Shield Cricket Tournament – 2016, and played at the Police Gymkhana ground, Marine Drive, on Saturday.
Electing to bat first, both Tank and Pradhan batted solidly and runs came at a rapid pace. Tank showed more aggression but was unlucky to miss out on another century. His cameo innings came off just 102 balls and was studded with 14 boundaries and two huge sixes. Pradhan was more cautious and his 99 balls knock contained six hits to the fence. The two were associated in a 127-run partnership before Tank was stumped after he failed to read a delivery from off-spinner Akshay Girap. Pradhan did not last too long as he was caught behind off the bowling of Shivam Dubey.
Thereafter, the policemen lost wickets at regular intervals with Girap picking up two more wickets for figures of 3 for 33 runs. Medium pacers Shivam Dubey and Vineet Sinha played good supporting roles taking two wickets each.
In the other semi-final, MIG Cricket Club after electing to field first did well to restrict hosts Bombay Gymkhana to 178 for 9 in 53 overs. Swapnil Salvi (68), Vikrant Auti (44) and Tanmay Mishra (30 not out) were the only batsmen to stay long in the middle and score some runs. MIG were well-served by Vinit Dhulap (3/54) and Pratik Dabholkar (3/65) to take control of their match.
Brief scores:
Mumbai Police: 217 for 7 wickets in 56 overs (Hersh Tank 94, Swapnil Pradhan 52; Akshay Girap 3/33) vs Karnatak Sporting Association.
Bombay Gymkhana: 178 for 9 wickets in 53 overs (Swapnil Salvi 68,Vikrant Auti 44, Tanmay Mishra 30*; Vinit Dhulap 3/54, Pratik Dabholkar 3/65) vs MIG Cricket Club.