Picket CC opting to bat first at Greenview Cricket Ground could have landed in deep trouble had it not been their opener Aryan Reddy stepping up for his team with a brilliant knock. Picket CC were all out for 217 runs in 43.5 overs out of which Aryan Reddy scored 117 runs batting till the 34th over with wickets tumbling from the other end. Aryan kept the scoreboard ticking releasing pressure from the other end as he smashed 15 boundaries en-route his 99 ball 117 bringing up his 7th hundred overall under pressure situation.
Apart from Aryan, only Nagaraju (30 runs) down the order managed to score in two digits as Sutton CC bowlers kept on taking wickets at regular junctures. Rakesh with 3/34 in 8 overs was the pick of the lot from Sutton CC.
Chasing 217, Sutton CC received a good fightback from Picket CC bowlers as they restricted them to just 212 runs all out in 43 overs winning a low scoring thriller by 4 runs. Opener Anirudh played a gutsy innings of 83 but he lacked support from the other end while all-rounder Nagaraju who chipped in with 30 runs and supported Aryan with a 87 run partnership also performed well with the ball being pick of the lot with 4/39 in 10 overs.
- Result: Picket CC won by 4 runs
- Man of the Match: Aryan Reddy (117 runs & 1 wicket)
- Scorecard Link: https://cricheroes.in/scorecard/2138780/individual/Picket-Cc-vs-Sutton-Cricket-Club
- DOB: 29/05/2006
- City: Mau, Uttar Pradesh
- Major Teams. Azamgarh District and preparing for U.P U16 Team.
- Club/Academy: RDS Cricket Academy
- Attribute: Right handed wicket keeper batsman
Don’t you guys agree wicket-keeping is one under rated profession? The role of keeper certainly requires great amounts of fitness and agility to remain at the top of the game. Being a wicket-keeper batsman, not only one has to be sharp behind the stumps with minimal margin for errors but one also has to chip in and contribute with the bat for his team. Hence, choosing a career as a wicket-keeper batsman is certainly commendable. 15yr old Vishwakant Yadav who idolizes Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one such cricketer who has chosen this path too!
Vishwakant Yadav who began playing cricket from the age of 13 has cricketing genes in his blood. Vishwakant’s father Jai Pratap Yadav played professional cricket from 1987 to 1993 and he was even considered for Ranji Trophy Selection for U.P Team. Apart from that, his father who played 198 matches across all levels also played District Level representing Azamgarh Team.
15yr old Vishwakant Yadav practices under Coach Pramod Yadav under RDS Cricket Academy in Azamgarh. RDS Cricket Academy is one of the most renowned cricket academies in Azamgarh known to impart quality coaching to their players under their Head Coach Pramod Yadav. Vishwakant is a right handed wicket keeper batsman who likes to bat at no.3 while he plays club cricket representing RDS Cricket Academy. Vishwakant also participates in many local level tournaments while he has also played district level representing Azamgarh in 2019. Vishwakant is also a very impactful keeper behind the stumps and he has a record of 7 Dismissals in a match (5 stumpings & 2 catches) vs Noida Cricket Academy in a club level match in 2020.
As a professional cricketer, Vishwakant has only started his journey and he has many more years to play and perform at the higher levels.
Sharing with Cricketgraph, the youngster said “My father himself has been a motivation for me, he has played district and state level cricket and he certainly inspires me a lot. I am working hard on my batting as well as on my wicket-keeping under the coaching of Pramod Sir at RDS Cricket Academy. I idolize MS Dhoni sir and I wish to represent my state one day. I am already preparing hard to make it into the U.P U16 team, represent my state and make everyone proud.
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Crucial Stats:
- 50’s 6
- 100’s– 1
- Highest Score: 128
- Best Keeping performance: 7 Dismissals in a match (2 catches & 5 stumpings vs Noida Cricket Academy)
Top Performances:
- 128 vs Muhammadbad in 2019
- 65 vs Muhammadbad in 2019 /wk – 3 catches & 2 stumpings (5 dismissals)
- 54 vs Muhammadbad in 2019/wk – 2 catch, 2 stumpings
- 68* vs Muhammadbad in 2019/wk -1 catch, 3 stumpings
- 60* vs Muhammadbad in 2019/wk – 2 catches, 1 stumpings
- 51 vs town Inter College in 2019/wk – 2 catches, 4 stumpings
- 52 vs Kamran Khan Cricket Academy in 2019 / wk- 4 stumpings
- 46* vs Noida Cricket Academy in 2020/ wk – 2 catches, 5 stumpings
- 38 vs Noida Cricket Academy/ wk- 3 catch. 1 stumping
- 32 vs town Inter College 2020/ wk – 1 catch
- 48* vs Muhammadbad 2019 / wk- 3 stumpings
- 44 vs Muhammadbad 2019 / wk – 2 stumpings
- 40* vs Muhammadbad 2019 / wk – 3 stumpings
Mir Ali Cricket Academy opting to bat first at MSK Cricket Ground batted really well posting 235/5 in 30 overs. Opener Varun Mishra scored a solid 52 off 79 balls while a brilliant cameo of 49* off 11 balls down the order by wicket-keeper batsman Syed Ali took propelled the team total to 235 in 30 overs. From the bowlers, Asha (1/7) & Vivek Gagan (1/14) were the pick of the lot.
Chasing 236 in 30 overs is certainly not that easy when you need to bat at 8 runs per over but thanks to AV Academy’s swashbuckling openers Aryan Reddy and skipper G. Prem, their team cruised towards the target with absolute ease. Aryan who has showed brilliant sparks of form in the last few innings with some great timing and drives once again took the game away from the opposition with a free flowing knock of 87 runs in mere 49 balls, a knock which included 18 boundaries.
On the other hand, skipper G. Prem scored an equally impactful half century scoring 58 off 38 balls (11 fours) stitching 135 runs stand with Aryan for the 1st wicket. The rest of the batters chipped in with starts with Aleti Ramesh’s 14 ball 38* at no.6 proving to be final nail in the coffin for Mir Ali Cricket Academy.
- Result: AV Cricket Academy won by 6 wkts & 5 overs to spare
- Player of the Match: Aryan Reddy
- Scorecard link: https://cricheroes.in/scorecard/2113391/individual/MACA-(MIR-ALI-CRICKET-ACADEMY)-vs-Av-Academy-2021#scorecard
Mumbai Cricket has thrived over the years with many talented players going on to represent Team India and Ranji Trophy. With such a rich cricketing history, we often tend to under rate the contribution of coaches in making these wonderful cricketers. Over the years, many cricket coaches have made a name for themselves imparting quality training and values to its players making them world class cricketers. Coach Vikrant Gupta is also one such name who is slowly making a mark for himself as one of the upcoming, genuine & hard working cricket coaches from Mumbai Cricket.
Just like many, Vikrant started playing cricket from an early age and even represented his school team St. Francis D Assisi High School. Graduating to U14 level, Vikrant started playing club cricket representing Navroz CC, Lord Northbrook CC, Aarey CC to name a few. Vikrant, whose bowling action might remind you of Ravi Ashwin also Captained his college cricket team Mithibai College.
Sharing with Cricketgraph, Vikrant said “It all started at school, would like to thank my School St Fransis D’assisi High School & my college Mithibai for giving me the opportunity. Unfortunately i lost My dad in Dec 2000, he was my motivator then. Now due to responsibilities in life also had to look out for options to work as a professional and earn money. So I started playing as a professional cricketer for clubs which helped me take care of my family and also made me mature enough. Soon i started looking after my family financially as i was the only breadwinner”
Opportunities soon knocked the door for Vikrant as he got a chance to get associated with Global Cricket School, Mumbai in 2007 & assist in coaching International teams and players. Vikrant also got the opportunity to work with county team players and work with many cricket boards like New Zealand Cricket, England & Wales Cricket Board Men’s and Women’s Team, Scotland, Netherlands, Hongkong Men & Women’s and Ireland Men and Women’s teams. Getting a global experience and traveling overseas interacting with different breeds of players and teams made Vikrant an evolved personality not only as a human but also as a cricket coach.
Sharing with Cricketgraph, Vikrant said “I worked with Global Cricket School from 2007 to 2016. It was a great experience to travel overseas in countries like Australia, Dubai, Srilanka along with the international teams. Thats where i had the privilege to work with Cricketing greats like Andy Flower, Graham Thorpe, Mike Hesson, Jos Butler, Joe Root, Kyle Cotzer & many more.
Being a tough nut to crack as an off-spinner & his uncanny resemblance to Ravi Ashwin’s bowling style, Courtesy to Star Sports team in 2017, Vikrant was not only interviewed by Sarang from Star Sports but he was also invited to bowl to Cricket Australia team in the nets. What’s more, he was the center of attraction in the nets giving top Australian batters a tough time including the likes of David Warner! In 2018, Vikrant completed ICC level 1 Course as well as MCA Level “O” while he was about to pursue ICC Level 2 but got stuck due to covid lockdown. Vikrant has also completed umpiring course from Mumbai Cricket Association.
In 2018, Vikrant got the opportunity to work with Vibgyor international School Goregaon West & Crickingdom Cricket Academy by Rohit Sharma as Head coach of Islam Gymkhana Centre. The experience of working as a Head Coach of Islam Gymkhana center got him to understand how it feels like working with a global brand. Playing cricket alongside Rohit Sharma during U19 days also helped him to acclimatize at Crickingdom. Even though cricket has not resumed at maximum places due to lockdown, Vikrant Gupta with the help of Kastur Park Society’s management, committee members and residents has started Winz Cricket Academy in Borivali on the society’s play ground where all the upcoming and professional players can come and practice.
Vikrant who now has close to a decade of coaching experience shares ”I am thankful to Kastur Park Society & would love to continue with the society to help all the young players practice and develop them as professional cricketers. I would also like to give special thanks To Parag Madkaikar Sir who has been my mentor and friend helping me and supporting me during the good and the bad times”
More Pics of Vikrant Gupta:
Kenya’s promising southpaw, Pushkar Sharma slams an impressive century against SCLPS A in the NPCA Super50. Pushkar Sharma who is known for his free flowing strokes has also been the Mumbai U16 Captain during his early days.
Pushkar has had his struggle as he lost his father at the peak of his career and now he is working hard to make it at the top as a professional cricketer. After losing the toss, Raurka A was put to bat first by SCLPS A. They lost two early wickets and then came in Pushkar who glued a vital partnership with Kenneth Wiaswa.
Pushkar batted at one down and scored 144 runs from 139 deliveries. His innings saw 20 boundaries scattered in different directions of the circle. Pushkar & Kenneth jolted a 195 runs stand which helped Raurka A to get into a commanding position. While chasing a total of 341 in 50 overs, SCLPS A fell short to just 212. Purshotam Vekariya was the star with the ball as he bagged four wickets to his name. He conceeded 66 runs in his full quota.
This impressive knock of 144 of 139 balls from Pushkar Sharma saw him achieve the “man of the match” award in this encounter. After the innings Pushkar thanked his family and the support that he got from Indiafirst life Insurance.
In the post match ceremony, Pushkar shared with Cricketgraph, “When I went out to bat, our team was already in pressure because we lost 1 wicket in the very first ball of the match. So It was cenging to face that pressure and slowly and steadily I tried to smoothen things up and keep the scoreboard ticking. I tried my best and It’s my highest runs in ODI till now. In the end, I am thankful to my family for supporting me. And also to Indiafirst Life Insurance and BlackBird Sports Company for the enormous help they have provided to me.”
Played at Greenview Cricket Ground at Telangana, Hyderabad, AV Academy opting to bat first were all out for 170 runs in 40.3 overs. Opener Aryan Reddy and Vivek Gagan (37 runs) provided a brilliant start with a 95 run stand for the 1st wicket, however, none of their batters below them could capitalize on the good start provided by the openers. Aryan top scored for his team with a solid looking 70 off 97 balls as he carved his way through till the 34th over smashing 11 boundaries in his half century. From the bowlers, Sahil Jete with 4/12 was the pick of the lot from SATS.
Chasing 171, the pressure was certainly on the defending team as it’s a very chaseable score in a One Day match. However, the bowlers gave a tough fight restricting SATS to 141 all out in 39.5 overs. G Prem with 3/28 was the pick of the lot while rest of the bowlers also chipped in with a wicket or two.
- Result: AV Academy won by 30 runs
- Player of the Match: Aryan Reddy (70 runs & 1/17 in 8 overs)
- Scorecard Link:
- https://cricheroes.in/scorecard/2086056/individual/Av-Academy-2021-vs-SATS#scorecard
For a professional cricketer, the most important aspect of his journey is the type of coaching he receives. A coach acts as a bridge and support system in a player’s cricketing journey and hence it’s very important to have the right coach who can understand your game.
One such hard working coach from Delhi is Ravikant Bhatt who was himself a state level player who forayed into coaching at an early age. Ravikant is now an experienced cricket coach from Delhi who has played professional cricket for almost 10 years. Ravikant Bhatt has also represented School State SCFI from U.P during his playing days but lack of opportunities meant he gave up pursuing professional cricket at the age of 25. However, that move hardly deterred him to stay away from those 22 yards as he decided to become a cricket coach and that’s how RKB Cricket Academy in Delhi came into existence.
RKB Cricket Academy which is located at Tyagi Public School is in Keshavpuram Area, Delhi and it was established with a vision to impart the best facilities for aspiring young cricketers. Ravikant Bhatt the founder of the academy also serves as the Head Coach alongwith 2 other coaches Gagan Tyagi & Indresh Kumar who is Assistant Coach at RKB Cricket Academy in Delhi.
Ravikant started learning the nitty-gritties of coaching at an early age and he is also now ICC Level 1 Certified Cricket Coach which means each of his students receives training of International standards. RKB Cricket Academy in Delhi boasts of all modern facilities including 2 turfs and 1 cement turf for practice. Over the years Ravikant Bhatt has worked with and coached many state level cricketers who are currently representing Domestic Teams.
Speaking with Cricketgraph, Ravikant shared “Our RKB Academy also has a U.P.C.A affiliated cricket club in lucknow which runs in the name of RKB Cricket Club. Over the years I have worked with many players including India U19 Cricketer Mohit Jangra, Lakshit Tyagi (Delhi U16, Risabh Kansal (Arunachal U19), Kshitij Sharma (Nagaland U23), Rahul Bist (Nagaland U23), Gaurav Verma (Arunachal U23), Kunal Dabbas (Bihar Senior Team) to name a few. My aim is to ensure maximum players get the best facilities and opportunities to excel in their cricket careers and make our academy proud”
Here’s wishing Coach Ravikant Bhatt all the luck for his future cricketing endeavors.
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More Photos from the Academy:
- Date of Birth: 07.05.1993
- City: Delhi
- Attribute: Fast Bowling All-Rounder
- Style: Left Handed Batsman & Right Arm Fast
- Major Teams: Delhi Senior Team, North Zone (During Age groups)
- Clubs: RPCA Cricket Club, Tedco Cricket Club, Chand Khanna Cricket Club, Times of India, FCI – Food Corporation of India
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PROFILE
Delhi is one of those parts of India which has given our National Team many successful international cricketers. Over the years, the competition has only increased and now the intensity is such that even making it to a Ranji Team is no less than an achievement as there are thousands and lakhs of aspiring cricketers in every state eager to make it into the playing XI of a State and National team.
One such player who has silently rose through the ranks is fast bowling all-rounder Akash Sudan. Yes, the same bowler who made his presence felt in debut match which propelled Delhi into the knockouts of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2018. Akash Sudan just like many other kids started playing cricket from a very tender age of 5, courtesy his father Sunil Sudan who was his first coach and source of inspiration.
Akash who studied at Frank Anthony Public School also started excelling at school level cricket as he started coming up with exciting individual performances both with the bat as well as with the ball. Akash once scored a century as well as took a 6wkt haul for his school team while on a tour to Dehradun, he scored 3 back to back centuries alongwith fifers in every match he played. Akash was “Man of the Series” in that school level tournament. On the back of his brilliant performances, Akash was awarded Kapil Dev’s Sweater by renowned Cricket Coach Sir Rajinder Pal (also coach of Kapil Dev) which Akash has preserved with him till date.
Akash soon joined RPCA Cricket Academy in Delhi and that’s how he began his cricketing journey. Akash started performing consistently at Club Level. Over the years, Akash gave some robust performances as an all-rounder while some of his most memorable performances have come in the all important DDCA League and its affiliated tournaments. In the 2017, DDCA League, Akash came up with 37 wkts in 8 matches alongwith a record 8 consecutive half centuries. It was his all-round show in DDCA Circuit which attracted everyone’s attention in the cricketing community.
Akash also performed exceedingly well representing North Zone team in the All India Championship in 2016/17 with best bowling figures of 6/30 vs Rohtak. Akash also took fifers and scored half centuries each in the semi-finals and finals of the All India Championship vs South Zone and West Zone respectively as he continued to stamp his authority as a dependable all-rounder. Akash also played Inter College Level representing DAV Jalandhar College and he was one important player of his college team too due to his fiery pace bowling and ability to chip in with crucial cameos.
Akash’s career defining moment arrived when he came up with sparkling performances in a major DDCA Affiliated T20 Tournament in 2018 where all domestic and IPL Players participate in. Akash took 14 wkts in 3 matches including a fifer vs Rajasthan Cricket Association. His fast bowling was noticed by the selectors which resulted in him making it into the Delhi Ranji Team. Akash who currently trains under former Indian Cricketers Madan Lal and Ajay Verma was also considered for IPL Team Delhi Capitals in 2019 however an infection ruled him out which took him almost 8 months to make a comeback. On his T20 Debut for Delhi in 2016, Gautam Gambhir, the then captain handed over the crucial 18th and 20th over to Sudan and Akash did not disappoint his skipper either! Defending a low total 14 runs required in last 4 overs, Akash bowled a maiden over with 2 wickets which is a record for any debutant in T20’s followed by 5 dot balls in the 20th over as Delhi won the match by 1 run qualifying for knockouts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Speaking with Cricketgraph, Akash shared “Obviously everyone wants to represent India & play IPL but I am going step by step. I am working hard for the upcoming season and want to give my best for my state Delhi in all formats. I am particularly thankful to Gautam Gambhir bhai who is not only my role model but he has also played a crucial role in my cricketing journey. Also there have been major contributions from Manoj Prabhakar sir and Madan Lal sir who went out of their way to support me and I got an opportunity to play for Delhi in the Ranji finals vs Vidharbha”
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Some Crucial Statistics: (across all levels)
- Height: 6ft 2 inches
- 5wkt Hauls: 22
- Best Bowling Figures: 7/20 in 8 overs representing DAV Jalandhar in 2015/16
- Highest Speed: 142 kmph
- 100’s – 17
- Highest Individual Score: 135* vs Dehradun Club
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Top Performances:
School Level
- A 6wkt haul & century in same match for Frank Anthony Public School in 2003/04
- 6wkt haul and 90* at no.10 in Delhi U16 Trial match followed by a hat-trick in 2nd DDCA Trial Match
- 3 consecutive centuries and 3 fifers in 3 matches for Frank Anthony Public School in Dehradun Tour 2003/04 (knocks of 105*, 117* and 135*)
- Man of the Series Award received Kapil Dev’s Sweater from Kapil Dev’s Coach Sir Rajinder Pal
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College Level
- 7/20 for DAV Jalandhar College on Debut in Inter College Championship 2015/16
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All India & Top Division Club Level
- 6/30 vs Rohtak in All India Championship representing North Zone Team 2016/17
- 5/8 in 4 overs with 2 maidens vs ONGC in All India Public Sector Tournament in 2017/18
- 5/27 vs Delhi Audit at Chandigarh representing FCI (Food Corporation of India) in 2017/18
- 5/58 in 24 overs in semi finals vs South Zone in All India Championship 2016/17
- 5/78 in 21 overs vs West Zone in All India Championship 2016/17 (Also scored half centuries in semi-finals and finals in the same matches where he took fifers)
- Best Performer Award from North Zone Team 2016/17 season in All India Championship
- 37 wkts & 8 half centuries in 8 matches with best bowling figures of 6/41 in DDCA League representing Tedco Cricket Club in 2017
- 14 wkts in 3 matches in DDCA Affiliated T20 Tournament where major Domestic and International players participate. (fifer vs Rajasthan Cricket Association followed by 4wkt hauls vs Sonnet Cricket Club and Vijay Dahiya Cricket Club.
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5 Best Cricket Moments till now:
- When I first met Gautam Gambhir bhai after being called up for practice for Senior Team.
- My first call up for Delhi in T20’s
- Helping Delhi win on my debut match with a double wicket maiden over getting Delhi qualified for knockouts.
- The day I got a Ranji trophy call up as an Ishant Sharma’s replacement, that was some big shoes to fill in!
- Created a record for any Debutant in T20 bowing double wicket maiden over for Delhi in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy’16, great feeling of contributing in a teams’s win on debut!
- Playing Ranji Trophy finals vs Vidarbha in 2018
- Getting recognized by Kapil Dev’s Coach Rajinder Pal Sir during my school level days.
Azamgarh is one of the rising parts of Uttar Pradesh when it comes to cricket development as slowly but steadily new cricket academies, cricket grounds and other cricket infrastructure is taking place. Back in the days, a place like Azamgarh which is the hometown of India U19 & Mumbai Ranji Player Sarafaraz Khan used to lack proper cricket academies and cricket infrastructure.
However, things are changing with new cricket academies in Azamgarh coming up and R.D.S Cricket Academy in Azamgarh is one of those upcoming names which is slowly making a mark for itself. The R.D.S Cricket Academy is founded by Coach Pramod Yadav who was himself a professional cricketer. Coach Pramod Yadav was in U.P 23 Camp during his playing days while he also played District Level from Azamgarh. Pramod began playing under Coach Ravikant Bhatt at RKB Cricket Academy in Delhi. However, a serious injury and a liver infection meant Pramod had to discontinue his cricket career.
At the age of 25, Pramod started coaching and he serves as the Head Coach at RDS Cricket Academy in Azamgarh, U.P. Pramod also did necessary education to become a certified cricket coach and he now trains over 70 players at his academy. Pramod who is at present ICC Level ‘A’ Certified is also the coach of Azamgarh Women’s Team. In last 3 years, Coach Pramod Yadav has worked with state and national level cricketers ranging from Lukmaan Ansari, Kamruddin Ansari, Ankit Pandey, Vishwakant Yadav amongst others.
Sharing with Cricketgraph, Pramod shared ” A liver infection during my playing days ensured my cricket career got over but now as a cricket coach i want to serve my players with best facilities. R.D.S Cricket Academy in Azamgarh aims to change the landscape providing a proper cricket ground and modern amenities for our students. In last 3 years i have coached many district, state and national level players and i wish someone from Azamgarh goes on to represent India”
Pramod Yadav was himself a medium pacer and he specializes in fast bowling coaching. His R.D.S Cricket Academy boasts of all modern facilities required for quality coaching including a proper cricket ground, 3 turfs out of which 2 are cemented and even provision for night practice.
More Photos of RDS Cricket Academy in Azamgarh, U.P
Winning the toss and opting to bat first at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Ground, Venkateshwar Cricket Academy were all out for 225 runs in 34 overs with Aryan Dalal top scoring for the team. Aryan scored a whirlwind 56 off just 26 balls while Ashok Kumar was the 2nd highest scorer with 40 runs off 35 balls. From the bowlers, Faimuddin with 4/25 in 6 overs (1 maiden) was the pick of the lot.
Chasing 226, Deaf Cricket Society were all out for 211 runs in what turned out to be a close encounter. Abhishek Thakur top scored with 53 runs off 60 balls for his team. The bowlers did an excellent job especially Ronak who returned with stunning bowling figures of 4/15 in 6 overs alongwith a maiden playing a crucial role in handing over a 14 run win to his team Venkateshwar Cricket Academy. Aryan Dalal for his knock of 56 runs was declared Player of the Match.
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On 18/07/2021 At Shaheed Bhagat Singh Cricket Ground, Shakurpur, Delhi-110034
VENKATESHWAR CRICKET ACADEMY V/S DEAF CRICKET SOICETY
VCA Runs 225/10 Over’s 29.5
DCS Runs 211/8 Over’s 30
VCA WON BY 14 RUNS
PLAYER OF MATCH: ARAYAN DALAL (VCA)
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