A pretty easy and straightforward win for Panjab. As we said before, they have sounded the warning knell for the rest of the teams in the tournament. The bowling set it up for them by keeping Milan United down to 70 runs which in hindsight was perhaps half of the par score.
Arvind Kumar took the second innings by the scuff, scoring 13 runs in the first over. His first-ball six laid the foundation and Hardeep followed with more fearless cricket on the other end. Kumar's wicket in the 3rd over fainted a comeback chance for MU but Rajmani Sandhu hit it all around the park to nip it in the bud.
4.5 Gayan Silva to Rajmani Sandhu, SIX TO FINISH!! It has been a flamboyant chase. Sandhu steps out and heaves it over the top of the bowler's head. It is a maximum to finish it for Panjab. They win with a bonus point.
4.4 Gayan Silva to Rajmani Sandhu, MISCUED!! But it lands safely as it flies over short third man. Just plugs in before the ropes and they run two. Scores are level now.
4.3 Gayan Silva to Rajmani Sandhu, steps out and slams it for FOUR!! He didn't quite get to the pitch of the ball but went through with the shot. Deep midwicket was beaten.
4.2 Gayan Silva to Hardeep Singh, goes for the slog sweep. WONDERFUL FIELDING! The man at wide long on jumps up with an outstretched right arm to save six.
4.1 Gayan Silva to Hardeep Singh, BIGGIE!!! Full ball and he whacks it straight. Gets elevation as well as the distance.
Gayan Silva, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack
Kumar's wicket was a big one for MU's confidence but Sandhu has just blown them out of the water again. This is a demolition, a warning sign for the team to come.
4.0
2.6 Kudamaduwage Sanjeewa to Rajmani Sandhu, SIX AGAIN!! This time he pulls it towards the on-side boundary. Panjab are motoring along.
2.5 Kudamaduwage Sanjeewa to Rajmani Sandhu, SIX!! Makes full use of the free hit. Throws the kitchen sink at it and deposits the ball a long way back beyond the long off fence.
2.5 Kudamaduwage Sanjeewa to Rajmani Sandhu, POOR BALL!! It slipped out of his hand. Ends up being a wide. But is given a no-ball for being too high a full toss.
2.4 Kudamaduwage Sanjeewa to Rajmani Sandhu, charges at the bowler and then drags the ball powerfully to mid on. No run.
Rajmani Sandhu, LHB, comes out
2.3 Kudamaduwage Sanjeewa to Arvind Kumar, OUT! This is miscued and the ball flies over the infield, only to land in the safe palms of the man at deep backward point.
Arvind Kumar c Suresh Silva b Kudamaduwage Sanjeewa 31 (10b, 1x4, 4x6)
2.2 Kudamaduwage Sanjeewa to Arvind Kumar, SIX! STAND AND DELIVER! Allows the ball to come to him and then swats it away scornfully. The ball travels a long way beyond the fence.
2.1 Kudamaduwage Sanjeewa to Hardeep Singh, shapes up to slog it on the leg side. Gets the toe end of the bat. Ball trickles to covers and he picks one.
This match might be over by the fifth over. Often in these situations, the batting team comes out taking some time to get in but not Panjab!
2
overs
37/0score
1
4
6
1
6
6
runs
Arvind Kumar*
25(8)
Hardeep Singh
12(4)
Ishan Jayakody
0/24
1.6 Ishan Jayakody to Arvind Kumar, SIX MORE!! What an over for Panjab! This was short and he pulled it with all his might to deposit the ball over the ropes in front of square on the leg side.