Iconic former India captain Sourav Ganguly’s trademark offside drives and step-out shots were on full display once again but his team, BCCI President’s XI fell short by one run against Jay Shah-led Secretary’s XI in an exhibition match in Kolkata on Friday. (More Cricket News)
The 15-overs-a-side match at the Eden Gardens, held on the eve of the Board’s AGM, had its share of nostalgia. Playing the role of a finisher, Ganguly, who batted at No. 6, smashed two sixes and four boundaries en route to a 20-ball 35.
He had to retire -- as per the rules of the match -- and his team fell short by just a run. At Ganguly’s home ground, BCCI secretary Shah shone with the ball, picking 3/58 with his seven overs of left-arm pace bowling to help his team defend 128 on a nippy December evening.
His wickets included that of Mohammad Azharuddin, one of Eden’s favourites, who was trapped lbw for 2. Shah also dismissed Suraj Lotlikar of Goa Cricket Association. There was a third blow, without any addition to the total, in the first ball of the next over when Cricket Association of Bengal president Avishek Dalmiya, who opened the batting, was run out for 13.
Then came the city’s favourite son Ganguly who batted with his usual elegance as he drove and cut on the off-side and sent two balls out of the ground with his trademark step- out shots to race to 35.
Earlier, electing to bat, BCCI Secretary’s XI rode on a 92-run partnership between Arun Dhumal (36) and Jaydev Shah (40) to post 128 for three in the stipulated overs.
Azharuddin and Ganguly shared the new ball and bowled 10 overs between them. Ganguly returned with 1/19 from his 3 overs, taking the wicket of Pranav Amin, while Azharuddin had figures of 2-0-8-0.
Brief scores: BCCI Secretary’s XI: 128/3 in 15 overs (Jaydev Shah 40 retired, Arun Dhumal 36, Jay Shah 10 not out; Sourav Ganguly 1/19) beat BCCI President’s XI 127/5; 15 overs (Sourav Ganguly 35 retired, Mohammad Azharuddin 2, Avishek Dalmiya 13; Jay Shah 3/58) by one run.
