The East Bay Blazers put on a remarkable show, clinching a decisive 57-run victory over the San Diego Surf Riders in the West Division of the 2025 Minor League Cricket. This thrilling encounter, held at Strikers Cricket Ground on August 29, was marked by standout performances from Saideep Ganesh and Abhishek Paradkar, whose contributions were pivotal in sealing the win for the Blazers.
After winning the toss, the East Bay Blazers opted to bat first but faced an early setback with quick losses. Sujith Gowda, Hizbullah Durrani, and Sanjay Krishnamurthi all fell cheaply, leaving the team reeling at 26 for 3. Just when it seemed the Surf Riders had the upper hand, Saideep Ganesh ignited a spectacular comeback. With a blend of raw power and strategic finesse, he unleashed an explosive innings, hammering 111 runs off a mere 53 deliveries. His impressive performance included ten boundaries and a remarkable ten sixes, leaving the bowlers in his wake. This aggressive approach not only lifted the team’s spirits but also turned the momentum firmly in their favor.
Providing essential support, Abhishek Paradkar showcased his own skillset with a solid 47 runs from 31 balls, featuring three boundaries and two sixes. Their partnership blossomed into a crucial 103-run stand for the fifth wicket, achieved in just 57 balls, propelling East Bay to an imposing total of 199 for 5 after their 20 overs. The transformation from a precarious start to setting a formidable target was nothing short of remarkable, demonstrating the Blazers’ resilience and battling spirit.
The Surf Riders’ bowlers found it tough to rein in the onslaught. While Sabrish Prasad, Sukhwant Sekhon, Supransh Kumar, and Abhinay Vanipally each managed to take a wicket, they struggled overall to contain the aggressive batting that East Bay displayed. Despite some disciplined bowling at times, the Blazers’ firepower proved insurmountable for San Diego.
In their pursuit of 200 runs for victory, San Diego started brightly with a solid contribution from opener Abhinay Vanipally, who scored 10 before being bowled by Krishnamurthi. The innings heavily relied on a spectacular performance by Shehan Fernando, who delivered a fiery 79 runs off 45 balls, featuring five fours and five sixes. Fernando’s brilliance kept the Surf Riders in the hunt, especially during his partnership of 78 runs with Skanda Rohit Sharma, who scored 28. However, once Fernando fell to Paradkar, who was simply in a class of his own, the Surf Riders’ chase fell apart rapidly.
The team, once looking reasonably positioned at 100 for 2, crashed to 142 all out in just 19 overs. Paradkar put on an extraordinary display with the ball, finishing with bowling figures of 5 for 15 across four overs, totally dismantling the middle and lower order. Krishnamurthi backed him up effectively, claiming 3 for 20 with vital breakthroughs, further sealing the fate of the Surf Riders.
Ultimately, the Surf Riders fell short by 57 runs, wrapping up a comprehensive victory for the East Bay Blazers. Abhishek Paradkar’s all-around masterclass earned him the title of Player of the Match, a fitting recognition for his significant impact on the game.
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