Good batting overall lead by Jay’s 53* steers E.Merck to a semis win in the Times Cricket Shield ‘18

Played between Automative CC and E.Merck Sports Club at the Shivaji Park Ground(Mahim Juveniles), Automative CC won the toss and elected to bat first with an aim of making a big target and putting E.Merck under pressure while chasing.

Automative CC batting first notched up 214/10 in 44.5 overs which if not the best of the totals is surely defendable. The openers gave a decent start with their in-form all-rounder Virendra Yadav top scoring with a yet another impressive 64runs at no.3. Attacking and dangerous Aditya Shemadkar who is another man in form from Automative CC once again played a very crucial knock of 56 off 43balls which took the team total to 214 runs. Both these boys Virendra and Aditya have been very consistent while Omkar has also been very impressive in the Times Shield. It was a really tight bowling perfomance with Varun Ponkshi and Akshay Bhor taking 2wkts each while the other bowlers chipping in with a wicket too.

Chasing 215, E.Merck were at one point 29/2 but it was their strong middle order which resurrected the innings back into the game and keep the hopes alive. While Amey Lad and Kishor Peonekar smashed crucial 40’s which played a important role but it was Jay Sangani at no.5 who anchored his team towards a semis win with an unbeaten 53* off 64balls engaging in excellent running between the wickets and pushing his team towards a thriller of a win while chasing. Jay co-ordinated well with other batsman and kept the scoreboard ticking. From Automative CC, Kartik Mishra bowled well taking 3wkts.

Even though Automative CC gave a tough fight, E Merck clinched a win by 3wkts on the back of their strong middle order and especially Jay’s unbeaten 53* qualifying in style for the finals.

CRICKETGRAPH