Talim Shield’18 Updates: Almeida back to groove, smashes another ton while Jiniv comes up with a crucial 77*

Kevin who scored a fantastic 130 with Sarfaraz a few weeks ago in a high profile Times Shield match is now again back with a bang and this time in the Talim Shield Tournament ’18. Played between MIG and Shivaji Park Gymkhana at the MIG Cricket Ground, MIG won the toss and elected to field first.

Made to bat first, Shivaji Park Gymkhana went on to score 261/7 in 45 overs where in all the batsman chipped in with 20’s and 30’s. None of the batsmen struggled but none of them were able to give good starts either. Fast bowler Pratik Dabholkar and Vijay Gohil were the pick of the bowlers taking 2wkts each. Chasing a target of 262, it’s not the easiest when you are already 2down for 10runs. But opener Sumit Ghadigaonkar scored a stoic 76 off mere 64balls while also stitched a 149run stand with with southpaw Kevin Almeida who went on to score a flashy ton once again reveling under pressure and playing his natural game. Kevin remained unbeaten smashing 114* off 97deliveries (10fours,5sixes) as he anchored the chase successfully. Kevin also got good support from Siddarth Chitnis who scored 55* off 41balls (2fours, 5sixes). MIG CC won the match by 7wkts on the back of a stunning hundred by Kevin while Siddarth and Sumit’s half centuries also played a crucial role.

In the other match between Dadar Union and Parkophene Cricketers at the Karnatak Sporting Association, Cross maidan, Dadar Union won the toss and elected to bowl first. Parkophene cricketers were all out for 213 and at one point struggling for 4/84 and 5/105. However, Middle order bat Jiniv Doshi who came in at no.6 played a laxmanesque innings of 77*off 79balls (4fours,1six). Jiniv played well with the lower order and also did good running between the wickets which took his team total to a respectable score of 213. In reply, Dadar Union were bundled out for 169runs with the back of some good bowling by their pace spearhead Badrey Alam who took 3/29. Experienced Pardeep Sahu with 3/46 was equally impressive while Rajesh pawar and Rehmani sufiyan took 2wkts each. Jiniv’s crucuial 77 at the middle order and some real good bowling by the experienced Parkophene bowlers helped them clinch a comfortable win.

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