Hemal Chitalia bails out JNS Jaguars in a pressure cooker Championship semi-final against JNS Young Veterans

Zooter International School Dad’s Tournament saw a close game between JNS Jaguars and JNS Young Veterans on February 19 when the two sides faced off in the Championship semi-final at Air India Sports Club, Mumbai. Winning the toss and electing to field first, JNS Jaguars restricted JNS Young Veterans to 159-6 in 20 overs, thanks to Jairaj Bisht’s bowling heroics. Bisht was the pick of the bowlers for JNS Jaguars accounting for 3-17 in four overs. Pratik Chitalia scalped one wicket in the lone over that he bowled. Four of the JNS Young Veterans’ batsmen got off to starts, however failed to play a big knock. The opening pair of Aneesh Vijekar (29) and Siddharth Chavda (35) looked good, and so did Ravi B (31 not out) and Jaymin Mehta (33) in the middle order.

Though 160 did not look all that daunting, but the pressure of a semi-final can get the better of any team. However JNS Jaguars held their nerves and chased down the target in 19.1 overs, winning the match by four wickets. Despite getting off to one of the most horrendous starts, JNS Jaguars were determined to clinch the semi-final. The team lost the opening pair inside three overs. Jeetinder Diwan (21) and Shantanu Agasti (12) tried to consolidate but succumbed against the run of play. Coming in at no.5, Hemal Chitalia shouldered the responsibility well and was determined to see his side home. Hemal (42 off 31) batted well with Rohit Saraf (35) to ease the nerves in the dressing room. For JNS Young Veterans, Jaymin Mehta and Ravi B picked up two wickets apiece.

JNS Jaguars’ Hemal Chitalia bagged the Man of the Match for his match winning knock under pressure. The right handed batsman stated, “When I came in to bat, the pressure was enormous. The wickets were falling and the run rate was creeping up. It was necessary for me to provide solidity in the middle. I took my time to get my eye in and once I was settled at the crease there was no looking back. It was a do or die game. I am happy that our team could sail through”.

Click here from JNS Jaguars VS JNS Young Veterans Match Scorecard ….