Mumbai: Thane Centre and Churchgate Centre stormed into the final of the 34th LIC Kalpesh Govind Koli Memorial Cricket Tournament after securing crucial first-innings leads in their respective semi-finals in Mumbai.
At Matunga Gymkhana, Thane Centre dominated the MCA Academy Centre after bowling them out for 155 on the opening day.
Thane Centre declared their first innings at a massive 509/8 on the second day, powered by a brilliant century from Neev Jethwani.
Jethwani played a magnificent knock of 143 runs off 137 balls, smashing 19 boundaries and four sixes. Wicketkeeper-batter Tanmay Malusare narrowly missed a century after scoring a solid 97.
Sarvesh Bhoir remained unbeaten on 72, while Aryan Kumar scored an unbeaten 50. Valuable contributions also came from Nirav Bhorkar (41), Parth Rane (33) and Atharva Gawde (32).
For MCA Academy Centre, Arjun Dadarkar and Rajveer Lad picked up two wickets each.
Neev Jethwani was adjudged the ‘Man of the Match’ for his outstanding innings.
In the second semi-final at the DPCC ground in Matunga, Churchgate Centre spinner Jay Mhatre produced another sensational performance.
The left-arm spinner claimed five wickets — including a hat-trick for the second consecutive day — to restrict Virar Centre to 185/8 in their second innings.
Mhatre had earlier demolished Virar Centre in the first innings as well, taking six wickets including another hat-trick to bowl them out for just 101.
For Churchgate Centre, captain Arush Kolhe scored 58, while Shardul Phagare (49) and Shlok Bongu (44) made crucial contributions as the team posted 231 in the first innings to secure a commanding lead of 130 runs.
Jay Mhatre finished with 11 wickets in the match and was named the ‘Man of the Match.’
The two-day final between Thane Centre and Churchgate Centre will be played on May 22 and 23 at the Veer Major Ramesh Dadkar Ground in Matunga.
