19/07/2026
The American Embassy Cricket Club (AECC) registered an emphatic 8-wicket victory over the Bls Tigers in the opening fixture of a friendly three-match series, chasing down a target of 148 in just 13.4 overs. The tournament, conceptualized and organized by former American Embassy employee Nupur Das Gupta to promote camaraderie between the two organizations, got off to a high-octane start after the BLS Tigers won the toss and elected to bat first.
The AECC bowling attack delivered a disciplined performance to restrict the BLS Tigers to 147/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Kapil led from the front with a masterclass in defensive bowling, strangling the opposition batsmen to claim stellar figures of 3 for 15 in his four-overs spell. Pankaj provided lethal support at the death, picking up 3 wickets in a quick two-over burst, while Gaurav chipped in with two crucial breakthroughs to derail the BLS Tigers' middle order. Despite a resilient 44 from Gyan Singh and 28 from Manish Dubey, the BLS Tigers struggled to break free against AECC’s relentless pressure.
In reply, AECC launched a blistering assault, scoring at a roaring run rate of 10.83 to secure the win with 38 balls to spare. Opener Dinesh anchored the chase with a sublime half-century, smashing 50 off 38 balls including 7 boundaries before retiring hurt. Pankaj then provided the definitive fireworks, blasting a spectacular 27 off just 12 balls at a strike rate of 225.00 before also retiring hurt. Contributions from Rahul Chauhan (12) and a clinical closing partnership between Nilesh and Rishabh effortlessly guided AECC across the finish line.
Following the dominant win, the American Embassy Cricket Club extended its formal gratitude to the hosts for their exceptional hospitality and credited Nupur Das Gupta for the flawless ex*****on of the event. With AECC taking a 1-0 lead, both teams now turn their focus to the second match of what promises to be a highly competitive series.