Bengaluru Strikers registered a comprehensive 73-run victory over Delhi Superheros in their Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 3 encounter at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium on Saturday.
A dominant batting display led by Fardeen Kazi and Omkar Keni propelled Bengaluru to a formidable total of 124/3, while a disciplined bowling unit restricted Delhi to a meager 51/7 in their allotted 10 overs.
Batting first, Bengaluru Strikers capitalised on a solid foundation laid by opener Omkar Keni, who scored a fluent 38 off 25 balls, including four boundaries and one six, before retiring out. Fardeen Kazi anchored the innings with an unbeaten 45 off 29 deliveries. Kazi's knock was punctuated by one four and two sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 155.17.
Late cameos from Sumeet Dhekale and Krushna Pawar accelerated the scoring rate in the final overs. Dhekale smashed 14 off just 4 balls with two sixes, while Pawar contributed a rapid 11 off 3 balls.
The Delhi bowling attack struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Mohammadsalim Shahpur conceding 35 runs in his two overs. However, Padmesh Mhatre (0/9 in 2 overs) and Sahil Longale (0/10 in 2 overs) delivered economical spells amidst the carnage.
In reply, the Delhi Superheros' chase never gained momentum against a stifling Bengaluru attack. They lost wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 51/7 by the end of the 10th over. Aakash Jangid was the top scorer for Delhi with 18 runs off 16 balls, hitting three boundaries. Padmesh Mhatre (11 off 12) and Dhiraj Bhoir (10 off 8) were the only other batters to reach double figures.
Bengaluru's bowlers were clinical, with Amit Pandey and Bhushan Gole dismantling the Delhi lineup. Pandey returned exceptional figures of 2 for 5 in his two overs, while Gole claimed 2 for 6 in his quota. Devid Gogoi and Imdad Pasha chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring Delhi fell well short of the target. The victory significantly boosts Bengaluru's net run rate in the tournament standings.
Ahmedabad Lions face Falcon Risers Hyderabad in the second game of the day at 8:00 PM.
