Panthers tame Leopards by 41 runs in Monsoon Mania clash

There is a particular charm to cricket under monsoon skies, and at Savio Turf on 11 August, the Panthers of A-League produced a performance that fitted the occasion. In their A-League Monsoon Mania fixture, they posted 71 for two and then watched the Leopards of A-League crumble to 30 for nine — a 41-run margin that, in a 10-over game, is as commanding as it gets.

The Leopards won the toss and opted to field, backing their bowlers to make early inroads. The Panthers’ openers had other ideas. Clayton top-scored with 29 from 28 balls, striking one four and the innings’ only six. His stay ended in unfortunate circumstances — out hit wicket off the bowling of Dr Ajay Singh — but not before he had given the innings a spine.

Ikwinder Singh chipped in with a brisk 15 off 12, finding the boundary once before a run out — Karan Gupta and Dr Ajay Singh combining — ended his knock. Ajay Rai remained unbeaten on 13 from 17 and Subheer Fredericks six off six as the Panthers closed on 71 for two from their 10 overs. Extras of eight — five wides, two no-balls and a bye — added quietly useful runs.

The Leopards rotated through ten bowlers, each bowling exactly one over. Sylvester and Dr Ajay Singh were the only wicket-takers, one apiece. Dr Ajay Singh was the pick of the attack, conceding just four runs in his over.

Chasing 72, the Leopards folded for 30 for nine in 8.5 overs. No individual batting figures are available from the scorecard, but the team total tells the story of a chase that never gathered momentum.

Manoj Jadhav was named player of the match, though his name does not appear in the batting or bowling details on the card.

The reporter at the ground described the batting as “superb” and the finish as “fantastic.” Given the margin, few would disagree.

Rajesh Yadav officiated as umpire. Ajit Shetty and Ashwin Shetty captained their respective sides.

Filed by Akshay, edited by the desk.