Ahmedabad Lions Edge Chennai Singams in Heart-Stopping ISPL Season 3 Finale
In a pulsating encounter that had spectators gripping their seats until the very last ball, the Ahmedabad Lions carved out a dramatic 2-run triumph over the Chennai Singams in their concluding league fixture of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 3. The high-octane match unfolded at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium on Monday, delivering edge-of-the-seat entertainment and setting the stage for an electrifying playoff week.
Top-Table Finish Secured for Lions in Hard-Fought Battle
This hard-earned victory ensured the Ahmedabad Lions concluded the league phase perched at the summit of the points table, amassing an impressive 16 points. Meanwhile, the Chennai Singams, despite the narrow defeat, successfully advanced to the knockout rounds with 12 points, showcasing their competitive mettle throughout the tournament.
In another crucial match later that day, the Tiigers of Kolkata clinched the final playoff spot with a tense two-wicket win against Falcon Risers Hyderabad. Chasing a modest target of 77, the Tiigers navigated a nervy chase, reaching the target with five balls to spare despite losing eight wickets, in response to Hyderabad's total of 76/9.
Commanding Batting Display Sets Up Lions' Victory
The clash between Ahmedabad and Chennai was distinguished by the Lions' aggressive power-hitting at the top of the order, which ultimately proved decisive. Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Ahmedabad posted a challenging 92/5 from their allotted 10 overs.
Opener Sikandarbhai Bhatti provided an explosive start, blasting 34 runs off just 17 deliveries in an innings peppered with five crisp boundaries. Although Prathamesh Thakre (4) and Sanjay Kanojjiya (3) fell to Ashish Pal and Sunil Kumar respectively, the Lions maintained their momentum throughout.
Amit Naik then took control during the middle phase, compiling a vital 29 from 17 balls. His knock, highlighted by two towering sixes, ensured Ahmedabad surged past the 90-run mark, setting a formidable target.
For the Chennai Singams, Ankur Singh delivered a superbly controlled bowling spell, conceding merely six runs while claiming a wicket in his two overs. Jagannath Sarkar also made a significant impact with economical figures of 1/9.
Mhatre's Valiant Effort Falls Just Short for Chennai
In response, the Chennai Singams relied heavily on Ketan Mhatre, who produced a magnificent unbeaten innings of 54 from 30 balls. His masterful knock, decorated with six fours and two sixes, kept the chase alive and thrilling until the final moments.
However, consistent support proved elusive for Mhatre. Aman Yadav managed 12 off 10 balls without finding many gaps, while Mohammed Nadeem (7) and Sarfraz Khan (4) were dismissed cheaply by Ahmedabad's disciplined bowling attack.
Ahmedabad skipper Jignesh Patel led from the front with the ball, returning impressive figures of 2/14 from his two overs. His timely wickets, including those of Jagannath Sarkar and Aman Yadav, critically disrupted Chennai's progress during pivotal stages of the chase.
Despite Mhatre's heroic effort, the Chennai Singams concluded their innings at 90/5 after 10 overs, falling agonizingly short of the target in a heartbreaking finish.
ISPL Season 3 Playoffs Schedule Unveiled
With the league stage now concluded, the ISPL advances into a high-stakes playoff week packed with must-watch encounters. The action resumes on Tuesday with Ahmedabad Lions taking on Chennai Singams in Qualifier 1, setting the tone for the knockout rounds.
Wednesday will witness Majhi Mumbai facing Tiigers of Kolkata in the Eliminator, where the loser will bow out of the tournament. The victorious team from this match will then meet the losing side from Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 on Thursday, ultimately paving the way for Friday's highly anticipated Grand Finale.
ISPL Season 3 Playoffs Schedule:
- Qualifier 1 on 3 February: Ahmedabad Lions vs Chennai Singams
- Eliminator on 4 February: Tiigers of Kolkata vs Majhi Mumbai
- Qualifier 2 on 5 February: Winner of Eliminator vs Loser of Qualifier 1
- FINAL on 6 February: Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2
This thrilling conclusion to the league phase promises an exhilarating playoff week, with teams vying for supremacy in one of India's most exciting street cricket tournaments.
