Ahmedabad Lions registered a commanding 40-run victory over Delhi Superheros in Match 4 of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 3 at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium on Sunday. A blistering knock by Amit Naik and a disciplined bowling effort led by Nizam ensured the Lions defended their total of 92 with ease, restricting Delhi to just 52 for 9.
Batting first, Ahmedabad Lions posted a competitive total of 92 all out in their allotted 10 overs. The innings was anchored by Amit Naik, who smashed a quick-fire 32 off just 15 balls, including one four and one six, scoring at a strike rate of 213.33. The Lions’ total was significantly boosted by winning the ‘Challenge’, which added 17 penalty runs to their score. However, the middle and lower order struggled to capitalize, crumbling under pressure.
For Delhi Superheros, Firoz Shaikh was the pick of the bowlers, delivering a sensational spell of 4 for 9 in his two overs. He ripped through the Lions’ lineup, supported well by Aakash Singh, who claimed 3 wickets for 11 runs. Despite their bowling heroics, the Superheros’ attack conceded too many extras (27), which ultimately proved costly.
In reply, the Delhi Superheros’ chase never gathered momentum. The batting unit faltered against the Lions’ sharp bowling attack. Vinayak was the top scorer with a labored 11 off 16 balls, as wickets fell at regular intervals. Compounding their misery, Delhi lost the ‘Challenge’, resulting in a deduction of 4 runs from their tally. The pressure of the target and the disciplined lines bowled by the Lions meant Delhi could only manage 52 for 9 in their 10 overs.
Nizam was the wrecker-in-chief for Ahmedabad, returning stellar figures of 3 for 7 in his two overs. He was ably supported by Dibakar (2/9) and Farman (2/13), who kept the batsmen on a tight leash. The collective bowling effort ensured that Delhi never looked like threatening the target, handing Ahmedabad Lions a comprehensive win.
Brief scores: Ahmedabad Lions 92 in 10 overs (Amit Naik 32, Sikanderbhai Bhatti 7; Firoz Shaikh 4/9, Aakash Singh 3/11) beat Delhi Superheros 52/9 in 10 overs (Vinayak 11, Padmesh 8; Nizam 3/7, Dibakar 2/9).
Ahmedabad defeat Srinagar Ke Veer
On Saturday, Ahmedabad Lions made a winning debut by defeating Srinagar Ke Veer. After ending up on the losing side on Day 1, Srinagar Ke Veer bid for redemption but they failed to change their fortune.
Asked to bat first, Srinagar Ke Veer struggled for momentum from the outset. Early wickets put pressure on the middle order, and despite a fighting effort from Amol Nilugade (21 off 14), partnerships failed to materialise. Ahmedabad Lions kept things tight through the innings, with Nizam Ali (3/6) bowling brilliantly and getting support from the rest of the bowlers by picking up wickets at regularly intervals to restrict Srinagar to 68/9 in their allotted 10 overs.
Defending a modest total, Srinagar’s bowlers attempted to keep the contest alive. Prajyot Ambhire once again stood out with his control and variations, three bowlers picked up a wicket each. Despite their efforts, the target proved well within reach for the Lions.
In reply, Ahmedabad Lions showed composure in their maiden ISPL chase. Opener Sikandarbhai Bhatti played an explosive knock and smashed the first half century of the season and remained unbeaten on 53 off 36 and single-handedly took his team home, sealing a confident debut victory.
