Sanghavi Smashers edge Team Bhimani in a thriller to lift Bhinmal Senior Cup 2015

He came in to bat with his side precariously  placed at 59 for five. Chasing a target of 152 set by Team Bhimani, Sanghvi smashers team and supporters were silenced by the quick fall of wickets after a good start by their openers with Bharat and Mukesh of Team Bhimani  sharing 2 wickets each to not only put the brakes but to wrest the initiative from Team Bhimani. Subhash Bafna played an innings which he too will never forget. Initially playing a waiting game he nudged the  ball in the gaps to pick up singles and twos and along with Bharat C built a good partnership. After that hard work it was stroke play brilliance of Subhash , Sanghvi smashers were right back in the match. Subhash 50 runs was the major factor and also a useful contribution by Bharat C with runs. But once Subhash fell with 15 more needed, Team Bhimani ripped through with 3 quick wickets. The atmosphere in the ground was electrifying. The crowd and the supporters of both the teams were on the edge of their seats and so were all the sponsors, guests and dignitaries. The ninth wicket pair put on 10 runs and Sanghavi Smashers won by 2 wickets sparking a huge roar from the Sanghvi Smashers supporters. Team Bhimani fought till the end but won the hearts of one and all.

Kalpesh with 46 runs and Capt Kanti V. with 43 runs were their main contributors.

The icing on the cake was apart from Trophies, individual prizes, it was the cash reward of Rs. 111000 to the winning team (Sanghvi Smashers)  from BSA and RSBL along with Rs. 51000 (Team Bhimani)for runners up.

This tournament has come to stay. With its successful organising it has given the BSA committee members enough food for thought to make it bigger in the coming times. I am sure they will.

Man of the series : Prashant Bohra – Ratnakar Slammers

Best Batsman of the tournament : Subhash Bafna – Sanghavi Smashers

Best Bowler – Bharat Mehta – Team Bhimani

Best Fielder – Kiran of Sanghvi smashers.