Mukesh, Viraj Star As Malda Claim DLS Victory

A nail-biting win at Eden Gardens propels Sobisco Smashers Malda closer to the semis now.

By Joyce

Sobisco Smashers Malda edged closer to a semifinal berth in a thrilling Bengal Pro T20 League Season 2 encounter at Eden Gardens on Wednesday. In a match that saw rain intervene in the final overs, the team climbed to fourth spot with eight points from seven games after being declared winners on the DLS method by five runs. The victory over Servotech Siliguri Strikers, who dropped to seventh with only four points from six matches, has injected fresh hope into Malda’s campaign.

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Dramatic Dls Decision At Eden Gardens

The match started with both teams setting a competitive tone, and Sobisco Smashers Malda chose to bat first. Their innings saw them score 159 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, with contributions from Akhil and Writtick Chatterjee who each scored 29. After putting up a score that seemed just enough to edge a challenge, the spotlight shifted when Servotech Siliguri Strikers began their chase.

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Chasing a target of 160, the Strikers managed to reach 149 for eight in 19.3 overs. However, heavy rain disrupted the proceedings, and as the weather failed to improve, the match officials had no option but to call off the remaining overs. Using the DLS method, the match was decided in favor of Malda by five runs. This decision, although controversial in tight games, brought relief to the home side who had been looking to solidify their semifinals aspirations.

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Star Performances On Display

Key performances from both teams lit up the match. For the Strikers, Subham Chatterjee top-scored with 54 off 40 balls and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal supported him with 33 off 25 balls. Their fighting spirit was evident as they tried to steer their side to victory despite the pressure of the chase.

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On the bowling front for Malda, Mukesh Kumar and Viraj Krishna emerged as the stars of the day. Mukesh Kumar recorded figures of 2 for 25 while Viraj Krishna impressed with his economical bowling, taking 2 wickets for just a single run in his spell. In addition, Brijesh Sharma, Ramesh Prasad, and Akhil chipped in by picking up a wicket each, underscoring a collective effort that proved crucial in restricting the Strikers.

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Pressure And Rain: A Test Of Nerve

The match took on an extra layer of intensity as the rain began to fall in the dying minutes. With the Strikers in a strong position at 149 for eight, the downpour stopped play just 0.1 overs short of a full quota. With the weather conditions grim and no possibility of resumption, the match officials had to resort to the DLS method – a decision that eventually went in favor of Malda. The use of DLS in such nail-biting finishes often stirs debate among fans, but here it provided an unequivocal result, cementing Malda’s position in the league standings.

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For Malda, the win is not just a victory on the board but a statement of intent. With notable performances from their key bowlers and a resilient batting display, the team has now inched closer to a semifinal spot in what is proving to be a fiercely competitive domestic T20 contest. In a tournament that is witnessing dramatic finishes and standout individual efforts, the match also highlighted the crucial role played by tactical decisions in cricket.

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The Bengal Pro T20 League continues to serve as a showcase for emerging domestic talent. Cricket enthusiasts and pundits alike have lauded the competitive spirit apparent at Eden Gardens. The match, organized under the auspices of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) – whose rich history is well documented on public platforms – is a reminder of the passion that domestic cricket inspires across the state.

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Semifinals Hopes Intensify

This win means that Sobisco Smashers Malda now sits comfortably in fourth place, just a step away from the semifinals. Their performance against Servotech Siliguri Strikers, despite the unpredictable weather conditions, will be remembered as one of the key highlights of the season. As the tournament progresses, the pressure will only mount, leaving teams with lesser points scrambling to capitalize on every opportunity.

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For the Siliguri side, the loss is a bitter pill given the fighting knocks from their top-order batsmen and bowlers. Falling to seventh position means they will now have to regroup and hope for better conditions in upcoming fixtures in the Bengal Pro T20 League.

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The match at Eden Gardens was an exhibition of competitive cricket, replete with skillful batting, disciplined bowling, and the unpredictable nature of weather – all converging to deliver a memorable contest. With the domestic league in full swing, fans now eagerly await the next chapter in this enthralling tournament, where every run and every wicket could prove decisive.

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As the season moves forward, cricket aficionados will have plenty to analyze from this encounter. With performances like those of Mukesh Kumar and Viraj Krishna standing out, Sobisco Smashers Malda have shown that they possess the quality and composure to challenge for a spot among the semifinals. The buzz around the match has already started circulating on social media, with fans and former players alike weighing in on the DLS decision and the exceptional display of cricket at one of the country’s most iconic venues.

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oyce Joyson is a sports, beauty, and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience creating engaging content. She holds a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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