Praphull Jha's Calculated Fifty and Siddarth's Quickstart Propel Merlion Lions to Victory Over Rajarhat Royals
Praphull Jha anchored the Merlion Lions' innings with a masterclass 55 off 28 balls, while Merlion Siddarth provided the early fireworks with a 17-ball fifty to secure a clinical 27-run win.
MATCH REPORT — POWERED BY CRIC TALENTS
KOLKATA, INDIA — In a high-octane encounter at the Yuvraj Singh Center of Excellence, Merlin Rise, the Merlion Lions showcased their batting prowess to overcome a resilient Rajarhat Royals by 27 runs. The match was a festival of boundaries, featuring explosive half-centuries and a spirited chase that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats until the final over.
🦁 Merlion Lions Innings: 172/4 (12.0 Ov)
Opting to set a target, the Merlion Lions started like a whirlwind. Merlion Siddarth turned the game into a highlights reel early on, smashing a blistering 51 off just 17 balls. His strike rate of 300.00, punctuated by 6 towering sixes, set the tone for a massive total. When Siddarth departed, the stage was set for a clinical finish.
⭐ MAN OF THE MATCH — PRAPHULL JHA
👑 Praphull Jha: The Anchor and the Aggressor
The standout performance of the day came from Praphull Jha, who played the role of the primary architect. Jha's 55 off 28 deliveries was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He found the gaps with precision, hitting 5 fours and clearing the ropes 4 times. His presence in the middle allowed Bishal das (33 off 11) to also express himself freely. Jha was eventually run out in the final over, but by then, he had propelled the Lions to a formidable 172.
Merlion Lions Batting Summary
⚡ Rajarhat Royals: A Spirited Fightback
Facing a daunting target of nearly 15 runs per over, the Rajarhat Royals didn't back down. After a shaky start, Anubhav Sharma and Anupam Paul led a spectacular counter-attack. Sharma's 49 off 22 balls (6 sixes) and Paul's 47 off 18 balls (5 sixes) briefly made the impossible look achievable. Their partnership was the heartbeat of the Royals' chase, keeping the pressure on the Lions' bowlers.
🎳 Benimadhab & Atri Mandol: Keeping the Lid On
Despite the onslaught from Sharma and Paul, the Merlion Lions' bowlers maintained their composure. Benimadhab was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 for 28 in his 3-over spell. Atri Mandol also played a crucial role, picking up 2 for 31 and effecting a key run-out. Their ability to take wickets at regular intervals ensured that the Royals were restricted to 145/9, falling 27 runs short.
"Praphull Jha's calculated fifty provided the backbone, while Siddarth and Bishal provided the explosives. A professional victory for the Lions."
Rajarhat Royals Batting Summary
📋 Match Summary
Result: 🏆 Merlion Lions won by 27 runs (172/4 in 12.0 Ov vs 145/9 in 12.0 Ov)
In a match that saw over 300 runs scored in just 24 overs, the Merlion Lions proved to be the more clinical side. While the Rajarhat Royals showed incredible grit through Sharma and Paul, the mountain of 172 runs was a bridge too far. Praphull Jha's Man of the Match performance was the cornerstone of a dominant Lions victory.
This official match report is powered by Cric Talents — The Home of Kolkata Cricket.