In a thrilling conclusion to the State Veteran Cricket tournament, Bareilly emerged victorious over Prayagraj by a commanding 9 wickets in the final match held at the TSH ground in Kanpur on Sunday. The prestigious Dr Gaur Hari Singhania Trophy was awarded to the triumphant Bareilly team after a match that saw unexpected delays and a shortened format due to adverse weather conditions.
Rain-Delayed Final Forces Format Change
The highly anticipated final faced an initial setback as the ground was found to be wet, pushing the start time to 2.30 p.m. To make up for the lost time, organizers decided to reduce the match from the standard 20 overs per innings to a more brisk 10 overs per innings. This adjustment added an element of urgency and excitement to the contest, testing the adaptability of both veteran teams.
Prayagraj Sets Modest Target
After being invited to bat first, Prayagraj struggled to build momentum in the condensed innings. They managed to post a total of 56 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 10 overs. The challenging pitch conditions and tight bowling from Bareilly kept the scoring rate in check, setting up a seemingly achievable target for their opponents.
Bareilly's Aggressive Chase Secures Victory
In response, Bareilly's batsmen came out with an aggressive mindset, showcasing their experience and skill. They chased down the required 57 runs with ease, losing only one wicket in the process and completing the task in just 7.1 overs. The dominant performance highlighted their superior batting prowess and strategic approach under pressure.
Ceremonial Highlights and Awards
The final was inaugurated by Piyush Agarwal and former UP Ranji Trophy captain Rahul Sapru, adding a touch of cricketing legacy to the event. Following the match, chief guest Gopal Sharma, a former Test cricketer, presided over the trophy presentation ceremony. He handed the Dr Gaur Hari Singhania Trophy to the winning Bareilly team and recognized the runner-up Prayagraj squad.
Anuj Sharma of Bareilly was awarded the Man of the Match for his outstanding contribution, which played a pivotal role in his team's success. His performance stood out in a match where every run and wicket counted significantly.
Dignitaries and Officials in Attendance
The event was graced by several notable figures from the cricketing and administrative circles. Among those present were:
- IM Rohatgi (President)
- Girish Kapoor (General Secretary)
- Jitendra Awasthi
- Vijay Dixit
- Vivek John
- Anurag Kapoor
- Manish Malviya
- Ashu Mehrotra
- Pradeep Salwan
Their presence underscored the importance of veteran cricket in promoting sportsmanship and community engagement among older athletes.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Bareilly in the veteran cricket circuit, demonstrating that competitive spirit and skill transcend age. The tournament not only provided entertainment but also fostered camaraderie and healthy competition among participants from different regions.
