Swastic Union to battle Social Cricketers in YSR title clash

R Samarth continued his rich vein of form with a quick-fire ton to propel Swastic Union Cricket Club into the final of the YS Ramaswamy Memorial Tournament after their eight-wicket win over Bangalore Occasionals here.

Sharath Srinivas and Avinash D scored 89 and 75 respectively but with no other noteworthy contributions from the other batsmen, Occasionals were bowled out for 216 in 41.3 overs.

Abrar Kazi (4/26) topped the wickets’ charts with handy contributions from Shreyas N (3/52) and K Shashank (2/23).

Samarth then led Swastic Union’s charge in the run chase as he blasted an unbeaten 117 off just 92 balls, with the help of eight fours and seven sixes. The Karnataka Ranji opener also found allies in Robin Uthappa (32) and Sujay SS (36) as his side booked a spot in the summit clash.

In the other semifinal, solid knocks from Rohan Kadam (93) and veteran Bharath Chipli (82) spurred Social Cricketers to a 25-run victory over Mount Joy Cricket Club.
Social Cricketers batted first and posted a competitive 280 for seven in their 50 overs and then restricted Mount Joy to 255 all out in 48 overs.

Swastic Union and Social Cricketers will face-off for the title on Monday at the Chinnaswamy stadium in a day-night affair.

Brief scores: Semifinals: Bangalore Occasionals: 216 all out in 41.3 overs (Sharath Srinivas 89, Avinash D 75; K Shashank 2-23, Shreyas N 3-52, Abrar Kazi 4-26) lt to Swastic Union CC (1): 217/2 in 32.4 overs (Rohin Uthappa 32, Samarth R 117 n.o., Sujay SS 36).

Social Cricketers: 280/7 in 50 overs (Rohan Kadam 93, Bharath Chipli 82, Ritesh Bhatkal 30; Anil IG 3-54) bt Mount Joy Cricket Club: 255 all out in 48 overs (V Cheluvaraj 25, Praveen 57, Kiran AM 34, Samarth Ooty 61, Sharath BR 45; Vyshak Vijayakumar 2-50, K C Cariappa 2-55, Ritiesh Bhatkal 2-54).