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ISPL Season: The Indian Street Premier League Season Three delivered high-intensity action on Friday at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, where fans witnessed two contrasting yet equally engaging matches. Bengaluru Strikers edged past Srinagar Ke Veer in a nail-biting one-run contest, while Majhi Mumbai produced a commanding all-round display to defeat Tiigers of Kolkata by 28 runs. Both matches underlined the unpredictable nature of street cricket and added fresh excitement to the ongoing tournament.

Bengaluru Strikers Hold Nerve in Last-Ball Thriller

Batting first, Bengaluru Strikers found scoring difficult against a disciplined and well-organised Srinagar Ke Veer bowling unit. Early wickets halted momentum, forcing the middle order to rebuild under pressure. The innings gained life thanks to an aggressive counter-attack from Krushna Pawar, who changed the tempo with fearless stroke play. His quickfire contribution brought much-needed runs and lifted the Strikers from a precarious position.

Support came from Bhushan Gole, who played a calm and calculated knock, ensuring the innings did not collapse completely. Despite their efforts, Bengaluru Strikers could only manage a modest total of 83 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted ten overs. Given the quality of Srinagar’s bowling, the total appeared below par and left the contest finely balanced at the halfway stage.

Srinagar Ke Veer Fall Short Despite Solid Chase

Chasing 84 to win, Srinagar Ke Veer began positively but struggled to maintain momentum during the crucial powerplay variations, where boundaries proved hard to find. Amol Nilugade provided early stability before retiring out, allowing others to take responsibility. Aryan Naik stepped up with a composed innings, rotating strike effectively and finding gaps when needed.

However, the turning point came when Bengaluru’s bowlers tightened their lines in the latter half of the innings. Bhushan Gole delivered a standout spell, conceding very few runs and applying relentless pressure. His accuracy, combined with disciplined bowling from Rajendra Singh and Vijay Kumar, dragged the match into a tense final over.

With only a handful of runs required off the last ball, the pressure proved decisive. Srinagar Ke Veer finished just one run short, ending on 82 for six, as Bengaluru Strikers celebrated a dramatic victory built on composure and smart execution under pressure.

Majhi Mumbai Recover Strongly After Early Struggles

Earlier in the day, Majhi Mumbai showcased resilience after a shaky start against Tiigers of Kolkata. Asked to bat first, Mumbai lost early wickets as Kolkata’s bowlers exploited conditions effectively. Tight spells and sharp fielding kept the scoring rate in check, putting Mumbai on the back foot midway through the innings.

The match swung decisively when Abhishek Kumar Dalhor launched an explosive counter-attack. Displaying exceptional timing and power, he dismantled the bowling attack with a flurry of sixes, transforming the innings within a matter of overs. His unbeaten knock ensured Mumbai crossed the 100-run mark, with valuable support from Vijay Pawle in the closing stages.

Mumbai Bowlers Seal Comfortable Victory

Defending a target of 101, Majhi Mumbai’s bowlers delivered a near-perfect performance. Manish Waghmare set the tone early by conceding minimal runs and claiming an important wicket. The pressure mounted as Kolkata’s batters struggled to find rhythm against disciplined bowling and sharp field placements.

Abhishek Kumar Dalhor capped off an outstanding all-round performance by contributing with the ball, further denting Kolkata’s chase. Although Ayyub Shaikh provided brief resistance with a rapid cameo, the lack of sustained partnerships hurt the Tiigers. Regular breakthroughs from Mohammad Zeeshan and Ijaj Ahmad ensured the chase never gained momentum, and Kolkata eventually finished well short of the target on 73 for seven.

Upcoming Fixtures Add More Anticipation

With these results, the league continues to gather momentum. On Saturday, Chennai Singams are set to face Srinagar Ke Veer in the early evening, followed by an exciting clash between Majhi Mumbai and Falcon Risers Hyderabad later in the night. As teams jostle for position, every match is proving crucial in shaping the league standings.