All-rounder Pradnya Bhalerao shines on a winning cause against SSC

All-rounder Pradnya Bhalerao’s composed knock of 96 runs enabled Navi Mumbai Sports Association (NMSA), Vashi Centre emerge victorious over Sassanian Sports Club (SSC), Azad Maidan Centre in the final of the 27th MCA Ajit Naik Memorial Selection Trial U-14  Cricket Tournament for the year 2024 that was organised by Worli Sports Club under the aegis of the Mumbai Cricket Association.

The momentous win came at the back of a crucial first innings lead of 17 runs for the Navi Mumbai based team in a nail biting two-day final encounter that concluded at the Worli Sports Club ground, Mumbai.

Resuming at 10 for no loss NMSA, Vashi Centre loss did well to finish their first innings at 252 all out in 77.5 overs.  

Pradnya’s match-winning effort came from 134 balls contained 11 hits to the fence, while batting at no. 4 and came at the back at of his two wicket haul earlier on day one.  Sparsh Gholap (34) and Pugaz Sundraj (31) too made useful contributions to consolidate Vashi Centre’s position. Vedang Kokate (3/32) and Shaurya Rane (2/53) were the key wicket takers for SSC, Azad Maidan.

Later in the remaining three overs SSC, Azad Maidan Centre scored 24 for the loss of one wicket before the end of the final day.

Earlier led by an inspiring spell of controlled medium pace bowling by Ganesh Dhanawade (4/44) and Pradnya Bhalerao (2/25) NMSA, Vashi Centre did well to bowl out SSC, Azad Maidan Centre at 235 in 67.5 overs in their first innings, after electing to field first, on the opening day of their two-day final.

Azad Maidan infact started confidently and were well placed at 68 for one thanks to the breezy knock by their opener Dhairya Patil (38) who slammed six boundaries in his 49-balls stay at the crease. Losing three quick wickets without addition of a single run to the total in space of six balls by the 15th over however ensured Vashi Centre wrest control over the proceeding in the pre lunch session. 

Useful contributions by middle order batsmen of the likes of Aarush Kolhe (38), Vedang Kokate (34), Arshiyan Shaikh (29), Satyanarayan Ghuge (21) and Surajprakash Shah (20) propped up the team score. Off spinner Uday Johal (3/55) too played a key role and took crucial wickets at regular intervals to keep things under control.

Brief scores (Final): 

SSC, Azad Maidan Centre (1^st innings): 235 all out in 67.5 overs (Dhairya Patil 38, Aarush Kolhe 38, Vedang Kokate 34, Arshiyan Shaikh 29, Satyanarayan Ghuge 21; Ganesh Dhanawade 4/44, Uday Johal 3/55, Pradnya Bhalerao 2/25) & (2^nd innings): 24 for 1 in 3 overs (Aarav Yadav 15*) Vs NMSA, Vashi Centre (1^st innings): 252 all out in 77.5 overs (Overnight - 10 for no loss in 4 overs) (Pradnya Bhalerao 96 , Sparsh Gholap 34, Pugaz Sundraj 31; Vedang Kokate 3/32, Shaurya Rane 2/53). Result: NMSA, Vashi Centre won on basis of first innings lead

Photo Above : Champions NMSA, Vashi Centre players along with their coach  pose with the winners’ and their individual awards in presence of dignitaries which included office bearer from Mumbai Cricket Association and organisers Worli Sports Club