A match-pivoting role by Bhagat Patibandla, an SPCC debutant but an experienced and talented cricket player, changed the course for the Spartans today and improved their chances of putting up a good fight. Spartan's first wicket fell in the 17th over with 45 runs on the scoreboard by opening batsmen Krishna Jayaraman and Gaurava Sharma. However, by the 20th over, they were 54/4. Bhagat then joined the captain to stabilize the situation for the next 10 overs. Coming in to bat at no.6, he scored crucial 23 runs in 35 balls, and with that, he propped the inning and batted until the runs doubled on the scoreboard to 108 before he left the pitch.
Then the brilliant batting by Manoj Thirupal and Ijaz Babkarkhel added another 42 runs to the scoreboard, taking the Spartans to 152 runs on their home ground. It took visiting team 4 hours to complete their 40 overs spell, and the Spartans wrapped up their bowling spell in the 24th over and got them all out at 50 runs. Marvelous bowling by all our bowlers, which included an 18-year-old Rahat Bhatia. He took one wicket and gave only one run in 2.2 overs with the best economy rate of 0.43. Splendid, Rahat!
With 20 runs in 24 balls and two wickets makes, Ijaz the Spartan of the match today. Cheers!
Another game and yet another deserving win, Congratulations, Spartans!
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