Published on October 7, 2024 by Kariuki Mwangi
Last Updated on 2 years by Kariuki Mwangi
By Deepak Sharma (Indian Correspondent)
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Jammu, India (05-10-2024): Manipal Tigers registered their second win of the season with a solid all-round performance, defeating Gujarat Greats by 5 wickets at the Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, on Saturday, September 5.
Gujarat Greats, after winning the toss and opting to bat, struggled to find momentum. Openers Morne van Wyk (1 off 5) and captain Shikhar Dhawan (8 off 8) fell early. Chris Gayle provided a brief spark with 14 off 5 balls, while Mohammad Kaif top-scored with a steady 34 from 40 deliveries. Yashpal Singh added 14 off 15 balls, and a late cameo from Seekkuge Prasanna (20 off 9) helped Gujarat Greats post 131 before being bowled out in 19.4 overs.
Manipal Tigers’ bowlers kept Gujarat’s batting in check. Praveen Gupta was the standout performer with 2/27 from his 4 overs. Obus Pienaar, Asela Gunaratne, Rahul Shukla, Imran Khan, and Thisara Perera chipped in with a wicket each.
Chasing 132, Manipal Tigers had a steady start with Phil Mustard (18 off 8) and Manoj Tiwary (29 off 27) adding 24 for the first wicket. Obus Pienaar (21 off 13) and Angelo Perera (15 off 16) kept the chase alive. However, it was the partnership between Asela Gunaratne and Thisara Perera that sealed the victory for Manipal Tigers. The duo put on an unbeaten 51-run stand for the 6th wicket, with Gunaratne finishing on 13* off 14 and Perera starring with 38* off 22. The Tigers chased down the target in 17 overs.
For Gujarat Greats, Manan Sharma impressed with 3/36 in his 4 overs, while Seekkuge Prasanna took 2/23 in 3 overs, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their second loss.
