: Dilshan Munaweera’s all-round performance was overshadowed by a match-winning knock from Gurkeerat Singh Mann, which powered Toyam Hyderabad to a 4-wicket victory over Konark Suryas Odisha at the Molana Azad Stadium on Sunday.
After losing the toss, Konark Suryas Odisha were put into bat and suffered an early blow when Richard Levi was dismissed for just 1 run off 3 balls by Bipul Sharma. Jesse Ryder (11 off 15 balls) and Kevin O’Brien (5 off 9 balls) struggled to build momentum. Dilshan Munaweera was the standout performer, fighting a lone battle with a composed 51 from 51 balls. Despite his efforts, Konark Suryas Odisha could only manage a modest total of 100/9 in their 20 overs. Other key contributors, Irfan Pathan (7 off 9 balls) and Yusuf Pathan (7 off 18 balls), were unable to get going.
Toyam Hyderabad’s bowling attack was led by Bipul Sharma (2/23) and Ravi Jangid (2/15), both taking crucial wickets. Nuwan Pradeep, Monty Panesar, Shivakant Shukla, and Stuart Binny each picked up a wicket, restricting Konark Suryas to a sub-par score.
Chasing 101, Toyam Hyderabad’s openers Chadwick Walton (8 off 7 balls) and George Worker (12 off 12 balls) were unable to provide a solid start. However, Gurkeerat Singh Mann stepped up with an unbeaten 52* from 50 balls, anchoring the innings and ensuring victory for his side. Bipul Sharma supported him, remaining not out on 7* off 6 balls, as Toyam Hyderabad chased down the target with ease, finishing at 101/6 in 18.2 overs.
For Konark Suryas Odisha, Dilshan Munaweera shone with the ball as well, claiming 3/26 in 4 overs. Shahbaz Nadeem (1/12) and Pravin Tambe (1/20) also picked up a wicket each, but their efforts were in vain as Toyam Hyderabad secured the win.
Brief Scores: Konark Suryas Odisha: 100/9 in 20 overs (Dilshan Munaweera 51, Bipul Sharma 2/23, Ravi Jangid 2/15)
Toyam Hyderabad: 101/6 in 18.2 overs (Gurkeerat Singh Mann 52*, Dilshan Munaweera 3/26)
