Nagpur

Riding on a scintillating half-century from Ravi Samarth and an impactful all-round display by Lalit Yadav, Pagariya Strikers recorded their second consecutive victory in the Vidarbha Premier League (VPL) Season 2, defeating India Warriors by three wickets in a high-scoring encounter at the VCA Stadium, Jamtha, on Wednesday.

After winning the toss, the Strikers opted to field and managed to restrict the Warriors to 214 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, they chased down the challenging target in dramatic fashion, reaching 218 for 7 with just one ball to spare.

The chase was anchored by Ravi Samarth, who produced a brilliant knock of 59 off just 31 deliveries, smashing nine boundaries and two sixes. Shivam Deshmukh provided stability with an unbeaten 47, while Pushpak Gujar contributed a valuable 37 runs. The finishing touches were applied by Lalit Yadav, who remained unbeaten on 19 from just four balls, striking three crucial boundaries to steer his side home.

Earlier, India Warriors posted an imposing total of 214 for 8 in 20 overs, thanks to a blazing 58 off 21 balls from Satyam Bhoyar, which included four boundaries and five sixes. Shubham Dubey added 43, skipper Akshay Wadkar scored 35, while Abhishek Agarwal (21) and Darshan Nalkande (14) chipped in with useful contributions.

For the Strikers, Lalit Yadav starred with the ball as well, claiming three wickets, while Kaustubh Salve matched the feat with figures of 3 for 32. Captain Yash Kadam chipped in with two wickets.

The victory strengthens Pagariya Strikers’ position in the tournament and underlines their growing momentum as one of the early contenders in VPL Season 2.

Brief scores

India Warriors: 214 for 8 in 20 overs (Satyam Bhoyar 58, Shubham Dubey 43, Akshay Wadkar 35). Bowling: Kaustubh Salve 3/32, Lalit Yadav 3/52, Yash Kadam 2/23.

Pagariya Strikers: 218 for 7 in 19.5 overs (Ravi Samarth 59, Shivam Deshmukh 47 not out, Pushpak Gujar 37, Lalit Yadav 19 not out). Bowling: Darshan Nalkande 2/42, Gurdeep Singh Sodhi 2/29.