TOI beat Combined Media to storm into semis

Lucknow: The Times of India defeated Combined Media XI by 43 runs to storm into the semifinal of the SBI Cup Media Premier League, at KD Singh ‘Babu’ Stadium, on Tuesday. Deciding to bat first, The Times of India scored 162 runs at the loss of six wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.The defending champions had a shaky start after openers Rajiv Srivastava and Rishi Singh Sengar were dismissed at 7 runs each. However, Anshul Tripathi’s 42-run knock (six boundaries) off 31 deliveries helped The Times of India consolidate their position. Anish Oberoi contributed valuable 32 runs while Abbas Rizvi scored 15.Amit Saxena claimed three wickets giving away 33 runs while Shalabh Saxena and Vimal Pandey took two wickets apiece for Combined Media XI. Sudhir Tiwari got one wicket.While chasing the target, Combined Media XI could score 119 for eight wickets. Vimal Pandey scored highest 27 runs (not out) with the help of a boundary and two sixes. SM Arshad and Ashu Bajpai scored 17 runs each. Anish Oberoi and Sharad Shukla claimed two wickets each while Rajiv Srivastava, Ishtiyaq Raza and Prem Mishra took one wicket each. Anish Oberoi (32 runs, 2 wickets) was named the man of the match. With one victory and a loss, Combined Media XI have also secured a berth in the semifinal. Dainik Jagran will take on Hindustan Times on Wednesday.tnn