Teleperformance DIBS displayed tremendous resilience and determination and managed to snatch a tense 3-run victory against Space Sports Club in a thrilling sem-final match of the RCF T20 cricket tournament for the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Cup 2023, organized by Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited under the auspices of the MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association) and played at the RCF Colony ground, Chembur on Thursday.
The highlights of Teleperformance win was Skipper Raunaq Sharma half century knock of 52 runs and Karan Shah’s all-round efforts 23 runs and 2 wickets for 24 runs, which paved the way for their success.
In a keenly contested encounter, Space SC after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first managed to contain the Teleperformance batters to a modest total of 131 for 7 wickets in 20 overs. Middle-order batsman Sharma’s 39-ball innings, which included an equal number of two fours and sixes, lifted the total. Rugved More 3 for 27 and Kartik Mishra 2 for 20 were Space SC best bowlers.
Later, Teleperformance defending a moderate total rose to the challenge as they were disciplined with the bowling, which was well-backed by some excellent fielding and that ensured they managed to restrict Space CC to 128 for 8 wickets from their stipulated 20 overs. Off-spinner Shah was well-supported by medium pacer Divyansh Saxena 2 for 31 and were instrumental in their team snatching a tight victory. Space CC batters Gautam Waghela 45 runs (34-balls, 6×4,1×6), Vikas Singh 39 runs (26-balls, 4×4,2×6) and Nehal Shaikh 23 runs made substantial contributions, but all their efforts went in vain.
Brief score – Semi-finals: Teleperformance DIBS 131 for 7 wickets, 20 overs (Raunaq Sharma 52 (39-balls, 2×4,2×6), Karan Shah 23; Rugved More 3 for 27, Kartik Mishra 2 for 20) beat Space Sports Club 128 for 8 wickets, 20 overs (Gautam Waghela 45 (34-balls, 6×4,1×6), Vikas Singh 39 (26-balls, 4×4,2×6), Nehal Shaikh 23; Karan Shah 2 for 24, Divyansh Saxena 2 for 31). Result: Teleperformance won by 3 runs.
Victory CC opening batters Sarika Koli (left) cracked 125 runs and Mahek Pokar( R) smashed an unbeaten 108 runs.