Heth Shah’s Hat-trick helps Edifice to clinch the AT20 Title
The final of Architect T20 was completely a once sided game. SSA Strikers were outplayed because of strong performance put up by Edifice team. SSA strikers had beaten Edifice few seasons ago in same tournament and that too in a final match only. Edifice took a revenge by comprehensively defeating Strikers this time. Tushar Koli, Edifice captain won all important toss and put SSA Strikers into bat. The earlier game for 3rd place was a high scoring game. It looked like Edifice would be chasing a high score given the fact that Strikers had some good batting line up.
Edifice though had other plans. Right from the beginning they played top quality cricket and didn’t give any chance to Strikers to make a comeback. Edifice opening bowlers Mahesh Hirpara and Sameer Paradhi bowled at good line and length and restricted Striker’s openers from hitting easy boundaries. Hardik Naik and Sandeep Shirke looked to hang in their but eventually lost their wickets in order to increase the run rate. Strikers were struggling at 50 for 3 with Nitin Gawade trying to rebuild their innings.
But it was Heth Shah who turned the match completely by taking spectacular hat-trick. Gaurav Koli was trapped in front first, Rupesh Londhe followed him immediately after wicket keeper took a sharp catch and Heth was all set for hat-trick ball. Shravan Yadav, Striker’s batsman who was facing the hat-trick ball, failed to read the spin and Edifice players were rejuvenated as Heth had almost confirmed the victory for them. From 50 for 3, Strikers were reduced to 50 for 6. Their tail made little efforts to put some more runs board but Strikers could only manage to score 75 runs. Heth Shah finished with blistering figures of 4 overs 1 maiden 4 for 14. He got good support from his fellow left arm spinner Ravi Sarangan, who too almost took a hat-trick by taking 2 wickets on consecutive deliveries.
Target of 76 was just a cakewalk for Edifice who had a very strong batting line up. However, these low scoring matches often end up in debacle. But Edifice openers, Mahesh Hirpara and Amit Jeewani played sensible cricket without any hurry. Mahesh Hirpara scored 38 before getting out while Amit scored 12. Their No.3 batsmen Sumeet Vengilat took further responsibility on his shoulders by scoring composed 26. In 12th over itself Edifice won the match and thus proved their dominance.
“We were also looking to chase but unfortunately things didn’t go as per planned. Their bowlers bowled well and we couldn’t even complete our 20 overs. We enjoyed playing in this tournament and our track record is also good as we were champions once and runner up twice before. The organization has been pretty good. We are happy with umpiring, scoring and also the technology which these guys are using. We are already looking forward to return next year in this tournament,” said Sandeep Shirke, SSA Striker’s captain.
“I am overjoyed right now. We knew that our team has that ability and we have done it today. All the hard work and practice has been fruitful. Everyone has contributed equally in our journey till here. I got best support from management and others during this tournament. Special thanks to sponsors and organizers for putting up a wonderful event,” said Tushar Koil, Edifice captain.