Wicket-keeper Mehboob Shaikh becomes a Dhoni as he scores 48 off 35 & takes his team to a great win in the 68th Salar Jung Tournament
It was a match full of twists and turns & it was also a match where we got to witness some brave fight from the batsman and a commendable job by the bowlers. Islam Gymkhana & Mumbai Police faced off for a crucial encounter of the tournament where Mumbai Police won the toss & elected to field first as the pitch was having due and was really good for bowling.
The decision to bowl first did proved to be perfect for Mumbai Police as Islam Gymkhana were struggling at one point at 48/6. The openers and the top order batsman failed to fire. In fact such was the condition of Islam Gymkhana that they were struggling at one point with 7down for mere 70 runs. However, their right-handed wicket-keeper batsman Mehboob Shaikh who came in at no.5 ressurected the innings like a craftsman and helped his team come out of trouble & also save his team from getting out for a below 100 score. Just like Dhoni has done numerous times for India in such situations, Mehboob perfectly played like Dhoni as he scored 48 runs of just 35balls which included 5fours & 2sixes to take his team total to 124/10 in 18.5 overs. Had he not played this knock, the team could have been all-out for 80-90 runs. Left-arm spinner Neeraj’s bowling should not be neglected as he wonderfully troubled the batsman taking 5/12 in 4overs. Neeraj’s bowling was almost unplayable on that track & it was a great display of spin bowling.
However, Chasing 125, Mumbai Police could not live up to their expectations in batting as much as they did with the ball as they managed to reach only 114/8 in 20 overs. Left-arm spinner Shoaib bowled a good spell taking 3/18 while Danish bowled a crucial over where he conceded only 2runs in the 3rd last over when 23runs were needed of 3 overs.
Islam Gymkhana won a thrilling low scoring match by 10runs & it was a collective team perfomance. Wicket-keeper Mehboob shaikh who scored a match-winning 48 at the middle order along with 2catches was the player of the match. Cricketgraph wishes Mehboob & the whole team all the luck for a great future ahead.