Dwarka Warriors score at 23 runs an over to enter quarterfinals

Even in their wildest dreams, people would have struggled to get to a 178-run target at a rate of 23 runs an over. But Dwarka Warriors did that, disdainfully treating their opponents Tilak Nagar Colts in a 50th Goswami Ganesh Dutt Memorial Cricket Tournament and thereby setting up a quarterfinal clash with Haryana Cricket Academy-Pioneer Club.

Tilak Nagar Colts batted first in Tuesday's match at the St Stephen's College Ground and scored 177/6 in 20 overs. They were struggling at 86/6 with some of their best batsmen back in the dugout. However, Gaurav Sabharwal hammered unbeaten 62 off 27 balls (5x4s, 5x6s) and added 91 for the unbeaten seventh wicket partnership.

All Tilak Nagar Colts needed was to ensure that Dwarka Warriors don't get to the target within 17 overs. But they did it in 8.3 overs!

Arpit Rana, who had scored 152 in the Lala Raghubir Singh Memorial Cricket Tournament final last week in solid style, revealed his aggressive self making 61 off 21 balls (12x4s, 2x6s). Yajas Sharma, who was leading the team in place of Yash Dhull, hammered 66 off 18 balls (9x4s, 5x6s).

Mayank Rawat, who has made a habit of hitting sixes, hit four again in his 8-ball stay getting to a quick, unbeaten 26. Hrithik Shokeen hit three sixes and made 22 not out.

Dwarka Warriors will play their quarterfinal on Thursday.

"The boys are in form. They are batting with great flow. We had to chase it in 17 overs but the boys did it in 8.3 overs through some amazing form," said coach Rajesh Nagar.

Delhi Challengers in semis

Meanwhile, Kunal Chandela's 72 and Shivam Sharma's 3/29 helped Delhi Challengers Cricket Club beat Food Corporation of India (FCI) by five wickets on Wednesday morning.

FCI were bowled out for 149 in 18.4 overs. In response, Delhi Challengers Cricket Club reached the target in 16.5 overs losing just five wickets.

(Note: In the picture, Yajas Sharma gets Player of the Match Award from tournament director Ajay Sharma (left) and tournament secretary Gaurav Sareen) 

Tags : Yash Dhull, Arpit Rana, St Stephen's College, Dwarka, Tilak Nagar