Daijiworld Media Network-
Rajkot, Jun 10: In a low-scoring yet thrilling encounter at the Niranjan Saha Stadium, Zalawad Strikers carved out a 16-run victory against Dita Gohilwad Titans, riding high on a spectacular bowling performance by Ankur Panwar, who claimed 5 wickets in a fiery spell.
Winning the toss, Zalawad Strikers opted to bat first. However, their innings began on a shaky note as openers Nihar Vaghela and Harshvardhan Rana managed only 14 runs for the first wicket. Nihar departed early, scoring 11 off 13 balls, while Rana struggled for fluency with a 26-run knock off 28 deliveries.
It was veteran campaigner Sheldon Jackson who provided stability and momentum, notching up a well-composed 64 off 45 balls, laced with crucial boundaries. He found some support from Chirag Jani, who chipped in with 22 off 24 balls. Despite a sluggish start and frequent wickets, the Strikers managed to post a competitive 133/7 in 20 overs.
For the Titans, Hiten Kanbi impressed with 3/29, while Kwinsh Padaliya delivered an economical spell of 2/18. Vandit Jivrajani and Aditya Rathore bagged a wicket each.
Chasing a modest total, the Dita Gohilwad Titans needed composure, but early blows dented their hopes. Openers Aezaz Kothariya (12 off 17) and Harvik Desai (24 off 25) couldn’t convert their starts as they fell cheaply, leaving the scoreboard at 41/2 in 8.1 overs.
Hetvik Kotak and Ruchit Ahir tried to steady the innings with a 38-run partnership, but with the asking rate climbing and pressure mounting, both fell in quick succession. Kotak scored 30 in 27 balls, while Ahir added a brisk 19 off 11.
It was the spell of Ankur Panwar that completely derailed the Titans’ chase. The pacer tore through the middle and lower order with match-winning figures of 5/20 in just 3 overs, earning him the Player of the Match honour.
He was well supported by Smit Patel (2/15) and Dev Dey (2 wickets), while Chirag Jani closed out the innings with the final scalp, ensuring the Titans were bowled out short of the target.
With this win, Zalawad Strikers have now boosted their standing in the league, while the Titans will have to regroup quickly as the tournament heats up.