Skipper Swapnoj sparkles in Patil XI’s narrow win

Their opponents got to a slow but good start of 73 in 20 overs. Then they allowed Patil XI to gain upperhand by the 35th over when they lost half the side for 128 runs. Another wicket in the next over at 133 and the match was over for Tendulkar XI.

Swapnoj, later to be adjudged man of the match, laid a solid foundation for Patil XI as he along with the other opener, Sahil Kukreja, put on 66 for the opening partnership and then with Hiken Shah he added 55 for the second wicket.

Swapnoj was out at 121 in the 29th over, given out leg-before to medium-pacer Roshan Salvi.Wickets fell at regular intervals till half the side was back for a little more than 150 but a 31-run association for the sixth wicket between Shaunak Gupte and Amit Patil ensured that their side went past the 200 mark.

Roshan Salvi and Akshay Girap were the bowlers who took two wickets each. Atish Golatkar, the right-arm medium-pacer, went for 51 runs in his eight overs. Swapnoj Thakur scored 54 in 93 balls aided by seven hits to the fence.Vishal Jovarekar and Roshan Dalvi launched themselves into the Patil XI medium-pacers but the introduction of spin by Thakur saw the scoring rate come down considerably.

There were significant contributions from Rakesh Kanojia who ran himself out for 31 in the 35th over with the score at 127. The next man in, Rohit Salunkhe was bowled through the gate by a fine incoming delivery from medium-pacer Abhishek Nair, a ball later to tilt the tie in Patil XI’s favour.

BRIEF SCORES

Sandeep Patil XI 209-9 in 45 overs (Swapnoj Thakur 54, Sahil Kukreja 32, Hiken Shah28, Amit Patil 23, Roshan Salvi 2-27, Akshay Girap 2-42) bt Sachin Tendulkar XI 190-9 in 45 overs (Tivarekar 41, Soham Dalvi 32, Rakesh Kanojia 31, Akshay Girap n.o. 27)

Man of The Match: Swapnoj Thakur.