Sahil Purohit steers Cricket Club of India XI to an 81-run win over Malabar Hill Club

Gannon Dunkerley Invitational Championship 2019 (also known as GDCL) kick started with a bang on March 17 when Cricket Club of India XI and Malabar Hill Club locked horns against each other at CCI, Mumbai. Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Malabar Hill Club went for plenty as CCI scored a daunting 179-5 in 20 overs. The opening pair of Raj Khandwala (31) and Tejas Patani (28) provided a solid start with a 55-run partnership in six overs. The start was capitalized well by the middle order batsmen Sahil Purohit (36 not out) and Zaosh Irani (32 not out) to give CCI a challenging total to defend. With the ball, Vishal Shah starred with 2-28 in his four overs.

Chasing a mammoth 180, Malabar Hill Club succumbed to pressure and was dwindled down to a paltry 98-7 in 20 overs, losing the match by 81 runs. They got off to a horrendous start as the opening pair was shown the dressing room inside three overs. Coming in at number 3, Samir Mogul was the lone warrior as he played a masterclass innings of 55. However, Mogul failed to find able allies and when he found one in Ankur Jhaveri (21) it was too late in the day. Credit goes to the CCI bowlers for keeping it tight and not allowing Malabar Hill Club to come even close to the target. Tejas Patani and Minesh Shah bowled well in tandem to scalp couple of wickets apiece.

CCI XI’s Sahil Purohit was presented with the Man of the Match award for his gritty unbeaten knock of 36 in 21 balls (4’s: 5, 6’s: 1) down the order.

Click here for Cricket Club of India XI VS Malabar Hill Club Team Match Scorecard ….