However, an impressive performance by the Strikers – highlighted by a spectacular catch from Amit Pandey to dismiss Falcons captain Shreyas Iyer – resulted in the Falcons suffering their first defeat of the season. After the Strikers set a target of 151 for eight while batting first, the Falcons were bundled out for 115 in just the 16th over.
Despite opener Angkrish Raghuvanshi falling early, Ishan Mulchandani and Shreyas – occupying the No. 3 spot – provided a brisk start for the Falcons. Even after Mulchandani was dismissed by the Strikers captain Atharva Ankolekar’s left-arm spin, the Strikers managed to keep a solid run rate.
This momentum shifted dramatically in the final two overs of the Powerplay. In the fifth over, young talent Harsh Aghav lost his wicket due to a mishap while running, resulting in a misunderstanding with his captain.
Just three balls later, Shreyas – who had been in exceptional form – top-edged a delivery from Sairaj Patil, which seemed to fall into a cluster of three converging fielders. Yet, Amit Pandey – sprinting from mid-on toward midwicket – leaped into the air, reached out for the ball, and managed to cling onto it upon landing.
With the score at 58/4, batting became increasingly challenging on a pitch that was proving tough. Although Vinayak Bhoir was dismissed early in his innings, once Akash Parkar was given out lbw, the situation looked dire.
Earlier that evening, Siddharth Raut shook off an injury scare from the previous night and continued to excel with the new ball. With the Strikers at 10 for three in the third over, the Falcons had placed them under significant pressure. However, Sairaj Patil (61, 37b, 3×4, 5×6) delivered an exceptional performance that not only rescued the Strikers but also earned him the Orange Cap.
After Aghav’s impressive spell – with three wickets making him the standout bowler – removed Patil in the 15th over, Vinay Kunwar (39 off 25, 2×4, 2×6) propelled the innings to a strong finish for the Strikers.
The match’s outcome secured a place in the semifinals for SoBo Mumbai Falcons, SCM Maratha Royals, and the Strikers with one game left to play.
Brief scores
Eagle Thane Strikers 151/8, 20 overs (Sairaj Patil 61, Vinay Kunwar 39; Harsh Aghav 3/30, Nikhil Giri 2/38) bt SoBo Mumbai Falcons 115 all out, 15.4 overs (Shreyas Iyer 25, Akash Parkar 19; Sairaj Patil 4/19, Atharva Ankolekar 3/35).
