Edifice pull off a stunning jailbreak to enter Semi final
How many of us still remember that epic game between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians where Mumbai chased down a mammoth target of 190 in just 14.4 overs. It was indeed one of the best matches ever played. There were some similar scenes at Vengsarkar academy ground in Mahul during one of the matches of Architect T20. Edifice, one of the participating teams,were pushed to the wall with only one option in front of them- win a match comprehensively to increase the run rate to enter the semi final. “In super 8s stage we lost our first match giving away a bonus point. Hence we were in such situation. We had to chase down the score in 15.5 overs to stay alive in competition, but to make it to semi final without depending on results of other matches, the limit was 14.5. Hence we had 14.5 overs to complete our target. It was quite an arduous task indeed. But I am happy that we could achieve this feat, “said Mr.Tushar Koli who is working in Edifice as Architect draftsman and also leading his team in this tournament.
Mr.Tushar had every reason to be overjoyed as his men put up a fantastic performance. Edifice were playing against Sankalpan in their last super 8s game. Sankalpan chose to bat first after winning the toss. They couldn’t take advantage of it as they scored only 115 in 20 overs. Opener Samarth Nakhva put a splendid performance with bat scoring a 66. However, though 115 wasn’t a big total, Edifice had to chase it down in 14.5 overs. This meant that they had to go after every ball to reach their before it gets too late. Edifice opener Mahesh Hirpara was outstanding with bat as he scored a quick-fire 25 in just 9 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes. His blistering innings laid a solid foundation for Edifice’s chase.
They reached 56 in mere 3.5 overs when once again Samarth Nakhva chipped in to dismiss Mahesh. Captain Tushar Koli and Virendra Kantak played sensibly taking their team to 100 swiftly. Eventually they achieved target in 13.3 overs and registered one of the historic wins in the Tournament. “Mahesh played really well. He is our pinch hitter and he can bat at any place. There had been instances in past where in 99 while team’s score was 130 in a 10 over match.We are very happy with our win and now we are looking forward to win this tournament,” said the captain.
Mr. Tushar told about his team and their love for cricket. “First time we played about 3 years ago in a tournament organized by CM group. We were runners up in that tournament. We had 2-3 people including myself who used to play cricket in school and college. So we decided to form a team. Now we play in 4 tournaments regularly which includes tournaments like One World sports, Architect T20, CA cup and tournament organized by Ghosh sir at Shivaji Park. We have won a tournament once while ending as runners up on 4 occasions”
Edifice journey towards the title is not simple this year given the fact that they will be playing some tough opponents. “We will be playing against Malik architect. It is a good team and last time they defeated us in final I am pretty sure that if we can win this match then we will win the title regardless who is our opponent in final. We have a balanced team Navin Thomas is a good all-rounder in our team. Mr.Virendra is doing some good work behind the stumps. Ravi sir, our boss himself is a good left arm spinner. So we are confident about ourselves and now everyone is looking forward for the last last 2 matches of this tournament,” said Mr. Tushar.030303