Makrand Raut’s solid knock of 97 runs went in vain as Suryavanshi Warrior CC suffered a 18-run defeat against Inspired Royals CC in a semi-final match of the inaugural Suryavanshi Kshatriya T20 Cricket League, organized by Suryavanshi Kshatriya Dnyati Samaj, Mumbai, and played at the Mumbai Police Gymkhana ground.
Inspired Royals who elected to bat first, amassed a big total of 199 runs for the loss of just two wickets in 20 overs. Opening bat Pranesh Dhuru top-scored with 68 runs (45-balls, 8×4, 3×6) and number three batter Kedar Raut scored an unbeaten 62 runs (33-balls, 7×4, 3×6). Dhruv Sane also contributed an unbeaten 38 runs lift the Inspired Royals innings.
Chasing a stiff target, Suryavanshi Warriors despite Raut’s 46-balls knock which was laced with five boundaries and 11 well-timed sixes fell short of the winning target making 181 runs for the loss of six wickets from the stipulated 20 overs. Abhijit Patil made 30 runs while Royals all-rounder Pranrsh Dhuru picked up two wickets for 49 runs secure their win.
In the other semi-final, Pride of Palghar XI riding on Harshad Desle unbeaten 80 runs (51-balls, 12×4, 1×6) romped to a 7-wicket win against R.D. Blasters to set up a clash with Inspired Royals in the final.
Brief scores: Inspired Royals CC 199 for 2, 20 overs (Pranesh Dhuru 68 (45-balls, 8×4, 3×6), Kedar Raut 62* (33-balls, 7×4, 3×6), Dhruv Sane 38*) beat Suryavanshi Warriors CC 181 for 6, 20 overs (Makrand Raut 97 (46-balls, 5×4, 11×6), Abhijit Patil 30; Pranrsh Dhuru 2/49). Result: Inspired Royals CC won by 18 runs.
Man of the Match: Makrand Raut (Suryavanshi Warriors CC).
R.D. Blasters CC 154 for 6, 20 overs (Utkarsh Raut 69* (46-balls, 7×4, 2×6), Parth Shelar 39*; Chandan Dalvi 3/21) lost Pride of Palghar XI CC 155 for 3, 19.1 overs (Harshad Desle 80* (51-balls, 12×4, 1×6), Dhruv Raut 31). Result: Pride of Palghar won by 7 wickets.
Player of the Match: Harshad Desle (Pride of Palghar).