On February 5, the Tiigers of Kolkata clinched a spot in the final of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 3 after a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Ahmedabad Lions in Qualifier 2. The match showcased an impressive bowling performance from Kolkata, particularly by Vivek Shelar, who delivered a game-changing hat-trick.
The Ahmedabad Lions struggled to build momentum, ultimately posting a modest score of 72 runs in their allotted 10 overs. Early in their innings, they lost both openers, putting them on the back foot. Sikandarbhai Bhatti and Prathamesh Thakre were dismissed cheaply, leaving the Lions reeling at 11/2. Ashiq Ali Shamsu emerged as the only bright spot for Ahmedabad, scoring a quick 29 runs off 15 balls before his dismissal exacerbated the team's woes.
- Vivek Shelar's hat-trick — The bowler took three wickets in quick succession, turning the match.
- Tiigers' bowling prowess — Kolkata's bowlers restricted the Lions effectively, showcasing depth in their lineup.
- Upcoming final against Chennai Singams — Tiigers will face a formidable opponent in the championship match.
Shelar's remarkable performance was complemented by fellow bowlers Firdos Alam and Ankit Yadav, who took two wickets each, leaving Ahmedabad with no chance of recovery. As the Tiigers set out to chase a target of 73 runs, they faced early setbacks, with both Rahul Mundhe and Farman Khan dismissed quickly.
Despite the early wickets, Saroj Pramanik anchored the chase with a solid innings of 25 runs off 22 balls. Ultimately, it was captain Bhawesh Pawar who sealed the victory with an explosive finish, scoring an unbeaten 10 runs off just two balls. With this win, the Tiigers are now set to face the Chennai Singams in the final, promising an exciting conclusion to the season.