Virendra Yadav’s fifer against Automative helps DTDC win the semi-finals of the Times Shield Tournament

Semi-finals are always tough & exciting and so was this match between DTDC & Automotive at the DPZ Ground, Matunga.  DTDC who have a strong batting line up elected to bat first after winning the toss in order to make a competitive score on the board & make the most of the conditions.

However, things were not as hunky dory for DTDC like they may have expected as they were all out for just 179 runs in 42.3 overs. Left-handed Sumeet Sharma & Gangadhar Ingole were the only two who looked good against the Automotive bowlers. Sumeet Sharma scored a solid 48 while Ingole scored a brisk 37 which took their team total to a somewhat respectable position of 178. Automotive bowlers did a good job with the ball & managed to take wickets & break partnerships consistently. They also hardly leaked away runs which proved to be beneficial for them.

Chasing 179, Automotive did not displayed the best of batting as much as they did with the ball. Team Automotive was all out for 175 falling short of just 3 runs. DTDC fought back well & did an excellent job with the ball especially their leg-spinner Virendra Yadav who bowled a mesmerizing spell of 5/23 to dismantle the opposition. Yadav kept on breaking partnerships & also took wickets at the right time. The situation got so intense that 3 runs were needed of the last 2 overs & one wicket was left. However, Sumeet Sharma bowled well & took the last wicket to win the semi-finals. It was a match which took our breath away till the end but eventually DTDC won the match by 3 runs.

Virendra Yadav was adjudged ‘man of the match’ for his brilliant performance & Cricketgraph wishes him & the whole team all the luck to win the finals of the tournament too.