Dubai: In an explosive start to Game 2 of the Pro Cricket League, the Gurugram Patriots showcased their batting prowess against the Noida Eagles. Winning the toss and opting to bowl, the Eagles faced a daunting challenge as the Patriots raced to 76 runs in the powerplay, losing just one wicket.
Sharad Lumba emerged as the standout performer, smashing the first century of the tournament with a spectacular 121 runs off just 46 balls, featuring 15 fours and 8 sixes. His aggressive innings set the tone, and he departed in the 15th over, leaving the Patriots in a commanding position. Manpreet Singh Goni contributed significantly with an unbeaten 39 off 13 balls, while Bipul Sharma added a quick 34 off just 11 deliveries. The Patriots concluded their innings at a mammoth 275/5 after 20 overs.
In response, the Eagles started positively, reaching 38 without loss in the fourth over. However, they quickly crumbled, losing two wickets in the same over and finishing the powerplay with 4 wickets down. Bipul Sharma continued his fine form, claiming 4 wickets for just 15 runs in his 4 overs. The Eagles struggled to build momentum, with no batsman reaching a half-century, ultimately falling short by 122 runs. Sharad Lumba was named the Man of the Match for his extraordinary century.
Game 2 – Sahgal Delhi Demons Edge Out Rajasthan Kings by 2 Runs
In the second match of the day, the Sahgal Delhi Demons faced off against the Rajasthan Kings, who won the toss and opted to field. The Demons’ openers, Phil Mustard and Mohammad Sultan Ansari, provided a solid start with a 74-run partnership. However, it was Robin Bist who stole the show, scoring an unbeaten 85 runs off just 32 balls. Coming in at a pivotal moment with the score at 116/2, Bist accelerated the innings, propelling the Demons to a formidable total of 245/5.
The Kings began their chase with intent, as opener Saket Sharma blasted 72 runs off just 29 balls, reaching his fifty in a mere 18 deliveries. At the halfway stage, the Kings were well-positioned at 103/2. The momentum shifted dramatically when Manish Shehrawat played a breathtaking innings, scoring a rapid 69 off just 19 balls, including 7 sixes.
As the Kings approached the finish line, they needed 6 runs to win with 2 wickets in hand in the final over. Ankit Dabas held his nerve for the Demons, bowling a brilliant over that conceded only 3 runs. The Kings lost both remaining wickets in a dramatic fashion as their batters ran themselves out, resulting in a thrilling victory for the Demons by just 2 runs.
Overall, it was a day of high-octane cricket in New Delhi, with both matches showcasing explosive batting and nail-biting finishes.