Akash Deep's effort in vain as Murshidabad Kings beat Siliguri Strikers in Bengal Pro T20 League

KOLKATA: Pacer Akash Deep’s all-round show was not enough as Servotech Siliguri Strikers went down to Murshidabad Kings by seven wickets in the Bengal Pro T20 League at the Eden Gardens on Thursday.

Akash Deep first did the rescue act when the Strikers were reeling at 55 for eight at the end of 11 overs after opting to bat first on winning the toss. However, Akash combined well with lower-order batter Vikas to stitch together a 56-run stand for the ninth wicket to take the team to a respectable total before their innings folded up for 113 in 19.1 overs.

While Vikash made 31 off 36 deliveries with the help of two boundaries, Akash had a go at the bowlers hitting one four and two sixes to get 30 off just 20 balls.

Nitin Verma was the most successful Kings’ bowler finishing with three for 21. Sayed Aftab, Vikas Singh and Jeet Thakur all picked up two wickets each.

Chasing the target, despite losing two early wickets, Sudip Gharami and Shuvam Dey combined brilliantly to add a much-needed 71-run partnership for the third wicket to take the side closer to victory.

Akash Deep did all the damage picking up all the three Kings’ wickets giving away just 19 runs in his four overs.

Gharami produced a captain’s knock as he smashed a match-winning unbeaten 48 which included four boundaries and two sixes off 34 balls.
Shuvam Dey made a useful contribution of 37 runs striking five boundaries. Agniv Pan remained undefeated on five as the Kings reached 118 for three in 17.5 overs.