In the game between the defending champions KLN WISCI and last year’s runner-up WPP India XI, it was always expected to be a keenly fought game. Winning the toss and batting first at the GMIS Grounds, WISCI was cautious but steady in its start, as it reached 124/2 in 24 overs. With 8 wickets in hand going into the last 11 0vers, WISCI motored along to plunder 125 runs, finishing at 249/6 in its full quota of overs. Run machine Viraj Bhammar top scored with 77 runs, supported by Bob Plath who scored 47 runs. The finishing touches were provided by hard hitting all-rounder Suhail Modak, who scored a fine unbeaten half century (52*) off just 20 balls. For WPP, Bhuwan (2/48) and Vasudevan (2/30) did well with the ball, supported by Dhiraj Nagpal and Gaurang Kapadia who also chipped in with a wicket each.
Chasing 250 runs to win the game, WPP India XI had the worst start possible when it lost the cream of its batting to be reduced to 47/5 at the first drinks break. Opening fast bowler Deepak Singh ran amok taking all 5 wickets for just 16 runs. Just when it looked like it was all over bar the shouting, an aggressive century partnership between Gaurav Pathak and Vasudevan Parthasarathy for the 6th wicket appeared to being WPP back into the game. Gaurav made a well compiled 79 runs, while Vasudevan scored 48 runs. Dismissal of both these batsmen brought in Bhuvan Manjunathan, who kept WISCI on tenterhooks with a counter attacking 43 runs off just 22 balls. As Bhuvan looked poised to take the game away, WISCI came back strongly to wrap up the last 3 wickets quickly, to have WPP all out for 219 runs, 30 runs short of its target, with 1.2 overs remaining. Deepak Singh was ably supported by Suhail Modak (2/39) and skipper William Noronha (2/45)
Thanks to Prakash & Ashit from Senayan CC for umpiring the game.
