Lokmat off to a flying start

The defending champs thrash Deshonnati by nine wickets

Defending champion Lokmat began their campaign on winning note thrashing Deshonnati by nine wickets in 14th Inter-Press Invitational Twenty-20 Cricket Tournament being organised by Sports Journalists’ Association of Nagpur (SJAN) at Vasant Nagar ground, here on Monday.
The tournament is being sponsored by Orange City Hospital and Research Institute (OCHRI). Satvik Group and Purti Group are the co-sponsors of the tournament.
Batting first, Deshonnati made 118 for six in 20 overs. Captain Sandeep Dhamde top scored with 38 (31b, 5x4, 1x6). Moreshwar Manapure scored 22 while Mangesh Shrangare and Chetan Kamanwar contributed 13 runs each.
For Lokmat, Devendra Sadavarti (2 for 20) and Vivek Vyavhare (2 for 34) were the most successful bowlers. Amit Khodke and Sachin Rahangdale claimed one wicket each.
In reply, riding on Nitin Pataria and Sharad Misra’s 91-run partnership for the first wicket, Lokmat achieved the target losing just one wicket in 9.5 overs. Pataria smashed 61 in just 30 deliveries with the help of seven boundaries and three sixes. Sharad Mishra played an unbeaten knock of 40 in 25 balls. His innings was studded with four boundaries and two sixes. Pataria was declared man-of-the-match.
Earlier, Anup Marar, Director OCHRI inaugurated the tournament. Amol Dhake, CEO, Satvik Group and Sharad Padhye, Joint Secretary, Vidarbha Cricket Associaton, Sunil Mujumdar of Mujumdar Cricket Academy and Naresh Shelke, SJAN president also shared the dais.
SJAN member Dr Ram Thakur conducted the proceedings. Secretary Kishor Bagde made an introductory remark while treasurer Anupam Soni proposed a vote of thanks.
Brief score
Deshonnati: 118 for 6 in 20 overs. Sandeep Dhamde (38, 31b, 5x4, 1x6), Moreshwar Manapure (22, 31b, 1x4), Mangesh Shrangare and Chetan Kamanwar 13 each, Devendra Sadavarti 2 for 20, Vivek Vyavhare 2 for 34, Sachin Rahangdale 1 for 17, Amiot Khodke 1 for 23).
Lokmat: 124 for 1 in 9.5 overs. Nitin Patariya ( 61, 30b, 7x4, 3x6), Sharad Mishra ( 40*, 25b, 4x4, 2x6), Amit Khodke not out 7.
Result: Lokmat won by nine wickets
MoM: Nitin Pataria Tuesday’s fixtures: Punyanagari vs Lokshahi Varta at Vasant Nagar. Sakal vs Indian Express- Loksatta at Ambedkar College. Both matches will start at 9 am.