Surat: In a one-sided Qualifier 1 encounter in the third season of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), Chennai Singams produced a near-flawless display to defeat Ahmedabad Lions by five wickets at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, booking their place in the title clash on February 6.The contest was shaped by Chennai’s incisive bowling effort followed by a calm and assured chase, a combination that left the Ahmedabad Lions staring at a must-win situation in Qualifier 2.
Ahmedabad’s innings unraveled almost from the outset during the mandatory Tape Ball overs. Ashish Pal set the tone with a devastating opening burst, striking three times to put the Lions on the back foot immediately. Both openers, Sikandarbhai Bhatti and Prathamesh Thakre, were dismissed for ducks within the first three deliveries, plunging Ahmedabad into early trouble. Birendra Ram attempted a brief counterattack with a quick 13 that included two sixes, but the momentum never swung back in the Lions’ favour.The pressure only intensified as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Jagannath Sarkar delivered a miserly spell, giving away just five runs in his two overs while claiming two key wickets. Anurag Sarshar then wrapped up the lower order with a brace of dismissals. Amid the collapse, Amit Naik stood firm for a while, top-scoring for Ahmedabad with a gritty 20 off 15 balls. The Lions were eventually skittled out for a paltry 57 in 9.4 overs.In pursuit of 58, Chennai Singams made their intentions clear straight away. Ketan Mhatre provided the early fireworks with a rapid 23 off only nine balls, striking at an astonishing rate.Aman Yadav then calmly guided the chase to its conclusion, finishing unbeaten on 22 from 11 deliveries, an innings highlighted by four boundaries.Despite losing Nagesh Wadekar for a duck, Sarfraz Khan (3*) partnered Yadav to take Chennai to 61/5, sealing the result with two overs still remaining.Attention now turns to Wednesday’s Eliminator, where Majhi Mumbai face Tiigers of Kolkata in a knockout clash. The winner will meet Ahmedabad Lions in Qualifier 2 on Thursday, before the season culminates on Friday with the Grand Finale between Chennai Singams and winner of Qualifier 2.Brief Scores: Ahmedabad Lions 57/10 in 9.4 overs (Amit Naik 20, Birendra Ram 13; Ashish Pal 3/11, Jagannath Sarkar 2/5) lost to Chennai Singams 61/5 in 8 overs (Ketan Mhatre 23, Aman Yadav 22*; Zaid Khan 2/5, Prathamesh Thakre 2/10) by 5 wickets.
