The Hitavada, Lokmat enter semi-finals

Kamlesh Waghire of The Hitavada bats during their match
against Tarun Bharat. (The Hitavada pic)

On abright Sunday morning, Dr Ambedkar College ground, Deekshabhoomi, witnessed a perfect demolition job executed by ‘The Hitavada’ not only to complete a nine-wicket victory over Tarun Bharat but also ensure their place in the semi-finals of the 11th Orange City Hospital Cup Inter-Press Cricket Tournament organised by Sports Journalists’ Association of Nagpur (SJAN).
Determined to continue their winning streak, The Hitavada meant business right from the word go. Speedster Vijay Chaure struck in the very first over trapping the batsmen in front. The predicament for Tarun Bharat was worsen in the third over when Chaure (2-12) managed to get a thickish outside edge and wicket-keeper Paritosh Pramanik completed the formalities.
The dismal-looking scorecard was ruining all the hopes of a competitive game. But Prashant Indurkar and Arvind Kawle made sure their team reach a respectable total. Both put on a well compiled 57-run stand for the third wicket. Kawle, the predominant partner, scored 40 (43b; 4x3; 6x1) while Indurkar remained not out on 23 (56b; 4x2). Kawle continued taking his chances against left-armer Rammurti Nerle (1-15) and ended up holding out at long-on, bringing an end to the third-wicket partnership.
Tarun Bharat managed 90 runs losing six wickets in their 20 overs. Man of the match Pravin Lokhande (2-10) and Rahul Dixit (1-10) were the other wicket takers for The Hitavada.
The Hitavada, in reply were on to a sounding start, thanks to openers Kamlesh Waghire and captain Susheem Kolay. With the score on 21, Tarun Bharat tasted first blood when Indurkar sent Waghire (16; 12b; 4x3) back. But, Lokhande and Kolay allowed no bowler to make further inroads. From the beginning of his innings, Lokhande showed glimpses of an inform batsmen who has a century and a half-century to his credit.
Kolay, playing his first match of the tournament after recovering from a finger injury, was making up for his lost chances. He continuously nudged the ball for ones and twos proving to be a perfect partner for Lokhande. A partnership of an unbeaten 71 runs between Lokhande (42*; 27b; 4x4; 6x1) and Kolay (29*; 31b; 4x3) got The Hitavada home with more than eight overs to spare.
Earlier, noted surgeon of the city and the chief guest for the match, Dr Sanjeev Chaudhari wished the team good luck.
In another match, Lokmat beat Navbharat by 26 runs to book a place in the semi-finals.
Deciding to bat, Lokmat scored 154 runs in their 20 overs. Man of the match Pawan Dhande—after scoring an unbeaten 61 in the last match—continued his good run by scoring a thundering 50-ball 74 runs with the help of five boundaries and four huge sixes. For Navbharat, Ronelle Michael (3-25) and Manish Sarangi (3-29) restricted Lokmat’s flow of runs.
In reply, Navbharat kept losing wickets at regular intervals and managed 129 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs. M Satyam (31; 28b; 5x4) and M Pujara (29; 25b; 6x2) batted well. For the winners, Sharad Mishra and V Vywahare took a couple of wickets each.
Monday’s fixture: Sakkal vs Navbharat at Dr Ambedkar College ground, Deekshabhoomi (9 am); Loksatta vs Tarun Bharat at Central Railway ground, Ajni (9 am).