Riding on skipper Mukesh Kumar’s fifer, Sobisco Smashers Malda sealed their place in the final of the inaugural edition of Bengal Pro T20 League. They will face Murshidabad Kings at the iconic Eden Gardens on June 28.
The Smashers defeated Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers by six wickets in the first semifinal clash on June 26 to enter the final. In the second match, Kings won against Rashmi Medinipur Wizards by 5 wickets.
Winning the toss and bowling first, Smashers’ captain Mukesh Kumar ran through the Tigers’ battling line-up, picking up five wickets in his four overs. Kumar gave away 23 runs, as the opponent side was restricted to 105 runs for the loss of nine wickets.
In reply, Smashers lost two wickets early, but a composed 50 runs off 41 balls by all-rounder Writtick Chatterjee and 42 runs off 44 balls by Writam Porel, took their team home.
Ananta Saha took two wickets for the losing side. The Smashers reached the target in 16.3 overs. Mukesh Kumar was named Player of the Match for his performance.
The second game proved to be thrilling. Chasing 145 runs, which was a decent score in a pressure game, the MK batters kept their cool to complete the target with seven balls left.
For RMW, Priangshu Srivastav once again top scored with 44, while Wriddhiman Saha scored a slow 32, as the team accumulated 144 runs for the loss of six wickets.
Kings’ Koushik Ghosh, who scored 45 runs, was declared Player of the Match.
Former Indian captain and cricket administrator Sourav Ganguly was present at the ground to watch the semis.