Soumya's Sensational 56* Powers Calcutta Challengers Past NTB

KOLKATA – Calcutta Challengers delivered a breathtaking all-round performance to dismantle New Town Buddies (NTB) by seven wickets, chasing down a modest target of 123 in under 10 overs. The match, played in Kolkata, was a statement of intent from the Challengers, who look every bit the title contenders as the season heats up.

NTB posted 122 all out, with the innings stifled at every turn by a relentless Challengers bowling attack. Rajnish Gupta was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 33 runs with a combination of pace and guile. The NTB top-order showed brief resistance — captain Dhruba Shyam contributed 23 and Sanket Karmakar chipped in with an equal 23 — but they could never build the crucial partnership needed to set a competitive total.

The chase that followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Soumya Pradhan walked in and immediately set the tone, dispatching the NTB bowlers to all parts of the ground with breathtaking efficiency. His unbeaten 56 off just 18 deliveries, studded with 8 towering sixes, was played at a strike rate of 311.11 — a knock that left spectators in awe. His partnership with Rajnish Gupta, who roared to an unbeaten 42 off 18 balls including four boundaries and three sixes, ensured there was never a moment of doubt in the chase.

This victory underscores the balance and depth of the Calcutta Challengers squad. With Gupta contributing vital wickets and then returning to finish the job with the bat, and Pradhan once again proving his match-winning credentials, the Challengers are hitting their peak at exactly the right time in this Kolkata league campaign.