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Ashish Pal, Ketan Mhatre Star as Chennai Singams Storm into ISPL Final

The Chennai Singams delivered a dominant performance to defeat the Ahmedabad Lions by five wickets in the ISPL Qualifier 1. A lethal bowling effort, led by Ashish Pal's three wickets, skittled the Lions for a mere 57 runs. In reply, Ketan Mhatre's explosive 23 and Aman Yadav's unbeaten 22 guided the Singams to victory with two overs to spare. This win secures the Singams a direct berth in the Season 3 final, while the Lions must fight through Qualifier 2.

Key Points: Chennai Singams Reach ISPL Final, Beat Ahmedabad Lions

  • Chennai Singams win Qualifier 1
  • Ashish Pal takes 3/11
  • Lions bowled out for 57
  • Ketan Mhatre scores rapid 23
  • Singams chase target in 8 overs
2 min read

ISPL: Ashish Pal, Ketan Mhatre star as Chennai Singams storm into season 3 final

Chennai Singams crush Ahmedabad Lions by 5 wickets to secure a direct spot in the Indian Street Premier League Season 3 final. Match highlights and scorecard.

"Ashish Pal was the wrecker-in-chief by claiming three crucial wickets. - ISPL Press Release"

Surat, February 4

In a decisive Qualifier 1 clash, the Chennai Singams delivered a clinical performance to beat Ahmedabad Lions by five wickets at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, securing a direct path to the Indian Street Premier League Season 3 final.

The match, which took place on Tuesday, was defined by a lethal bowling display and a composed chase. The match saw the Singams secure a comfortable victory, leaving the Lions to fight for their tournament life in Qualifier 2.

The Ahmedabad Lions' innings was derailed almost immediately during the mandatory Tape Ball overs. Chennai's Ashish Pal was the wrecker-in-chief by claiming three crucial wickets. The Lions lost both openers, Sikandarbhai Bhatti and Prathamesh Thakre, for ducks within the first three balls of the match. While Birendra Ram briefly countered with two sixes in a 13-run cameo, the momentum never shifted back to Ahmedabad, as per an ISPL press release.

Wickets tumbled at regular intervals as Jagannath Sarkar proved impossible to get away, conceding just 5 runs in his two overs while picking up two wickets. Anurag Sarshar polished off the tail with two scalps of his own. Amidst the collapse, Amit Naik offered the only substantial resistance, scoring a fighting 20 off 15 deliveries. The Lions were eventually bowled out for a meagre 57 in 9.4 overs.

Chasing a target of 58, the Chennai Singams signalled their intent early. Ketan Mhatre played a blistering cameo, smashing 23 off just 9 balls (strike rate of 255.56).

Aman Yadav anchored the finish with a match-winning, unbeaten 22 off 11 balls, peppered with four boundaries. Despite the loss of Nagesh Wadekar for a duck, Sarfraz Khan (3*) joined Yadav to steer the Singams to 61/5, sealing the win with two overs to spare.

On Wednesday, the Majhi Mumbai face the Tiigers of Kolkata in a do-or-die Eliminator, with the winning team facing the Ahmedabad Lions in Qualifier 2 on Thursday. The season will conclude on Friday with the Grand Finale, played between winner of Qualifier 1 and 2.

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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Ketan Mhatre's strike rate of 255! That's just insane hitting. The ISPL is really showing the depth of talent we have in street cricket. So proud to see these local heroes getting a platform.
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Vikram M
Feel bad for Ahmedabad Lions. Losing both openers for ducks in the first three balls... that's a nightmare start from which you rarely recover. They need to show more fight in Qualifier 2.
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Sarah B
The bowling figures are incredible. Jagannath Sarkar: 2 overs, 2 wickets for 5 runs. That's total control. The Chennai attack choked the life out of Ahmedabad's innings. A masterclass in pressure bowling.
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Rohit P
While the win was comprehensive, chasing 58 and still losing 5 wickets is a bit of a concern, no? The middle order seemed shaky. They can't afford such collapses in the final against a stronger opponent.
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Aman W
Aman Yadav played a very sensible knock to finish it. Sometimes in these short formats, you just need one cool head. Excited for the Eliminator tomorrow! Mumbai vs Kolkata is always a spicy contest.

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