In a tense, low-scoring encounter at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat, Tiigers of Kolkata held their nerve to defeat Bengaluru Strikers by 5 runs in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 3 on Thursday.
Defending a modest total of 77, the Tiigers’ bowling unit executed a disciplined performance to restrict Bengaluru to 72/7 in their allotted 10 overs.
After being put into bat, Tiigers of Kolkata struggled to generate momentum against a tight Bengaluru attack. Opener Saif Ali provided a brief spark with an 11-run cameo off 5 balls, including one six, striking at 220.00. However, the innings was largely held together by Rajat Mundhe, who top-scored with a composed 35 off 28 deliveries. Mundhe struck one six and one nine street run but lacked significant support from the other end as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Bengaluru’s bowlers were effective throughout. Bhushan Gole was the pick of the attack, conceding just 9 runs in his 2 overs while claiming the wicket of Saroj Paramanik. Rajendra Singh (1/20) and Badi Rajesh Narayan (1/19) also chipped in, ensuring the Tiigers were limited to 77/5.
Chasing 78 for victory, Bengaluru Strikers faced early setbacks. Opener Dibyendu Paul was run out for a duck in the first over. Fardeen Kazi stabilized the innings briefly with 12 off 10 balls, but the required run rate continued to climb. Bhushan Gole, continuing his fine all-round day, offered the most resistance with a fighting 21 off 17 balls, hitting three boundaries.
The turning point came through the Tiigers’ suffocating bowling in the death overs. Saroj Paramanik delivered a match-winning spell, taking 1 wicket for just 9 runs in his 2 overs. Vivek Shelar (0/6 in 1 over) and Vivek Mohanan (1/12 in 2 overs) further tightened the screws.
Needing quick runs in the closing stages, Bengaluru lost wickets in clusters, including key batter Omkar Bhadrike (8 off 5). The Tiigers’ fielders supported their bowlers well, effecting two crucial runouts, as Bengaluru finished agonizingly short on 72/7.
For Saroj, the moment was a reward for years of quiet persistence. Born and raised in Kolkata, his cricketing life began in street cricket and local money matches, long before the idea of professionalism took shape. After turning professional at 22, he carved a sustainable career in tennis-ball cricket, choosing consistency over glamour. At 33, Saroj is known across Bengal’s circuit for reliability rather than headlines, having featured in major tournaments such as the AGSC Cup, Rajnandini Cup, Durgapur Big Bash and Sangeet Cup, often reaching the finals. Backed by a close-knit family and grounded by experience across three ISPL seasons — including an Icon Player stint with Hyderabad — Saroj continues to focus on performance, longevity and making the most of the opportunities the format offers.
“This is my third season, and this is my first Man of the Match. After losing our first match, I focused on motivating the team. I reminded everyone to look ahead and not dwell on what had already happened. We believed we could win, and I had complete faith in myself and the team. That belief helped us get the result. Vivek unfortunately got injured while trying to catch the ball, and I sincerely hope it isn’t too serious,” Saroj said after the game.
“Saroj Dada bowled with a lot of confidence, and we learned a great deal from his performance during the match. In these conditions, a batsman who plays with a straight blade has a better chance of scoring runs, as the ball is hard,” said Tiigers skipper Bhavesh Pawar.
Brief scores: Tiigers of Kolkata 77/5 in 10 overs (Rajat Mundhe 35, Saif Ali 11; Bhushan Gole 1/9, Badi Rajesh Narayan 1/19) beat Bengaluru Strikers 72/7 in 10 overs (Bhushan Gole 21, Sumeet Dhekale 14; Saroj Paramanik 1/9, Vivek Mohanan 1/12).
