26/06/2023
Match: Semi Finals, CPL 2023 against Sunrisers Phoenix
In cricket often you are blessed to witness a game that leaves you spellbound. Boys played one such amazing game in this semis.
Having lost the toss we were asked to bat. Soon we realised that pitch was graveyard. With same length, ball would sometimes rise till shoulder and sometimes stay low. One of the most difficult pitch team had played this season.
We lost early wickets and it became difficult to stitch partnership. Only Abhinav from top order showed some grit and reached 2 digits. But, later it was Vikas again to team's rescue. To make 35+ on such a difficult pitch was 'experience'. Some hits later by Bhushi made us reach 110, a fighting score.
During break, sun came up and what was initially a graveyard became a very batting friendly deck. Seamers were surprised to witness such change in pitch behavior. Opponents kept cashing and made 60 odd for no loss and game kept slipping away.
In comes our spin duo. Karan and Vaibhav bowled in tandem, one of the finest spin bowling partnership of the season. They were economical and kept taking wickets, literally giving their all. Later it was that man again Vikas and Bhushi who bowled the best death overs of the season. With 18 remaining of the last 4 overs they bowled 11 dot balls in a row.
Last ball with 3 required opponents managed to sneak 2 and the match went on to super over. Everyone present on ground was speechless by our effort.
Phoenix made only 7 courtesy very fine over again by Bhushi. He opened batting with a 6. Took a single next ball but unfortunately we lost 2 wickets in the next 2, super over tied again.
Phew, the 2nd super over begun, Bhushi opened again and hit gigantic 6 of the 1st ball followed by a single. Pankaj's cover drive ensured we made good 14 runs. Bhushi had one of his best day as he defended 14 and gave only 7.
What a game, Bhushi the super hero, Karan very calm captain who kept believing, veterans who kept pushing the team and a unit that kept fighting to reach another final this season.
MOM: Bhushan Patil
Best Bowler: Karan Pandya
Best Batsman: Vilas Kale