Big Cricket League: Yusuf Pathan leads MP Tigers to victory, Irfan Pathan’s Marines triumph in low-scoring thriller

The Big Cricket League delivered another action-packed day as the MP Tigers secured a dominant 100-run victory over the Rajasthan Regals, while the Mumbai Marines overcame the Northern Challengers in a tense, low-scoring encounter.

In the first match, the Mumbai Marines showcased resilience to defend a modest target and secure a 6-wicket win against the Northern Challengers. Batting first, the Challengers got off to a flying start with Shikhar Dhawan smashing 30 off just 15 balls. However, the team faltered under the relentless pressure of the Marines’ bowling attack, led by Sri Lankan spinner M Pushpakumara.

Pushpakumara delivered a masterful spell, taking 4 wickets while conceding just 3 runs per over. Manpreet Gony added to the pressure with three crucial wickets, bundling out the Challengers for a mere 83 runs. Gurkeerat Singh Mann’s efforts to stabilize the innings proved insufficient.

The Marines’ chase started shakily, with Anureet Singh’s fiery spell reducing them to 4 wickets in the powerplay. However, Jesal Karia stepped up with a composed knock of 44 off 28 balls, guiding the Marines to a hard-fought victory in the 15th over. Pushpakumara’s all-round contribution earned him the Man of the Match award.

In the second game, the MP Tigers delivered a commanding performance to secure a massive 100-run win over the Rajasthan Regals. Batting first, the Tigers posted an imposing total of 237 runs. Saket Sharma set the tone early with a blistering 84 off 44 balls. Skipper Yusuf Pathan then took charge, hammering an electrifying 86 at a strike rate exceeding 150. Contributions from Stuart Binny and Pawan Negi ensured a thrilling finish to the innings.

Despite a stellar bowling effort by Shahbaz Nadeem, who bowled a maiden over and maintained an economy rate of just 6.75, the Regals struggled to contain the Tigers’ onslaught.

Chasing 238, the Regals crumbled under the weight of the massive target. Opener Samarth Srinivas showed promise with a fluent start, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to deliver. Dilshan Munaweera and Pawan Negi were clinical with the ball, picking wickets at regular intervals and maintaining a stranglehold on the scoring. The Regals were bowled out well short of the target, handing the Tigers a resounding victory. Yusuf Pathan’s match-defining knock earned him the Man of the Match award.