
MUMBAI, FEBRUARY 14: An unbeaten 56-run partnership between left-handers Amit Pagnis and Manoj Joglekar helped Shivaji Park Gymkhana beat defending champions National Cricket Club by six wickets and enter the final of the Padmakar Talim Shield cricket tournament (45 overs), sponsored by Bank of India, at the Cross Maidan today.
In the other semi-final, last year’s runners-up Karnatak Sporting Association defeated Worli Sports Club by 46 runs also at the same venue.Shivaji Park Gymkhana did well to restrict National to 201 in 44.2 overs after being 140 for four at one stage. Sunil More (48), Wasim Jaffer (49) and Amit Dani (43) were the main run-getters for the holders.
Off-spinner Shreyas Khanolkar was the pick of the bowlers with three for 27, while medium-pacer Rupam Malaviya and left-arm spinner Rajesh Prabhudesai took two wickets each.
Chasing a none-too-difficult total Shivjai Park Gymkhana reached the target in 37.2 overs. Amit Pagnis, who scored a steady unbeaten 30, was involved in two usefulpartnerships. First he put on 59 runs with captain Pravin Amre (41, 1×6, 5×4) for the fourth wicket. Then with Manoj Joglekar he saw his side through to a six-wicket triumph. Joglekar’s knock of 38 had two sixes and five hits to the ropes.
Half centuries by Nilesh Patwardhan (51) and Rakesh Mithbavkar (55 n.o.) were instrumental in Karnatak reaching a moderate total of 232-9 in the stipulated 45 overs. No other batsman reached more than 25.
Medium-pacer Vishal Mahadik was the most impressive bowler with 3 for 42, while off-spinner Sanket Chitre took two for 55.
In reply, Worli were dismissed for 186 in 43.3 overs with captain Sandeep Kotre contributing a well-made 53, while Sudhakar Harmalkar scored a quickfire 30 in 23 balls with a six and four hits to the ropes. Left-arm spinner Arun Shetty captured three wickets while Rajesh Sawant, Suresh Shetty and Nishit Shetty took two wickets each.
Brief scores: National CC 201 in 42.1 overs (Sunil More 48, Wasim Zafar 49, Amit Dani 43; Shreyas Khanolkar 3-27)lost to Shivaji Park Gymkhana 204-4 in 37.2 overs (Ojas Mehta 40, Praveen Amre 41, Amit Pagnis 30 n.o., Manoj Joglekar 38 n.o.).
Karnatak SA 232-9 in 45 overs (Nilesh Patwardhan 51 Rakesh Mithbavkar 55 n.o.; Vishal Mahadik 3-42) bt Worli 186 in 43.3 overs (Sandeep Kotre 53, Sudhakar Harmalkar 30; Arun Shetty 3-25).




