Thanks to Skipper Siddhesh Jadhav’s fine spin bowling, defending champions Borivali’s Swami Vivekanand scored a thrilling 6-run win over Oxford Public (Kandivali) in the Poinsur Gymkhana inter-school cricket final in their annual Uttar Mumbai Krida Mahotsav-2017 fiesta, at their ground at Kandivali yesterday.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, the holders, struggled hard to make 161/9 in the stipulated 40 overs. They were in for trouble when they lost top half of their batting for 64 runs. However, their lower order saved them the day with some resolute batting.
In reply, Oxford Public, playing in final for the first time, at one stage (149/7) appeared to be coasting to win, but offspinner Siddhesh Jadhav struck telling blows to see them bowled out six runs short of their target. Siddhesh returned with three for 31 off 6.1. He was well supported by Aakash Mishra (2/26) and Om Sawant (2/18).
Brief scores: Swami Vivekanand (Borivali) 161/9 off 40 overs (Aayush Varthak 27,Devkaram Parmak 26, Aryan Bhide 27, Mihir Kawle n.o. 25; SiddhantMore 3/15, Davesh Ruspak 2/28, Aditya Santra 2/16) bt Oxford Public(Kandivali) 155allout (Ryan Castileno 28; Siddhesh Jadhav 3/31, Aakash Mishra 2/26, Om Sawant 2/18) by 6 runs. MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Siddhesh Jadhav.