In a rain interrupted playoff clash that spanned two weekends, NSK sealed their spot in Qualifier 2 with a commanding win over the Lions. The match, which had its first innings completed two weeks ago, resumed with the Lions chasing 132. What followed was a display of disciplined bowling and sharp fielding that left the Lions stunned and bowled out for just 68.
Back on that earlier weekend, NSK were made to grind for every run. Nick scored 37 and skipper Rakesh Negi added 35 to provide stability. Neither could accelerate as the Lions kept the scoring rate in check. Their patient knocks, however, proved to be far more valuable than the scorecard suggested. The total of 132 was tricky in damp conditions.
When play resumed today, the Lions stepped in to bat with hope. Those hopes were quickly dismantled by NSK’s left arm quick Karmajeetsinh and the crafty off spin of Negi. The pair shared the spoils evenly, taking three wickets each while suffocating the Lions’ batting order. Wickets tumbled at regular intervals and no batter was able to stitch together resistance.
From the very first breakthrough the Lions looked rattled. Karmajeetsinh’s angle and swing proved too much for the top order. Negi choked the middle overs with relentless control. With both bowlers operating in tandem, the Lions’ innings crumbled to 68 all out. NSK secured a thumping 63 run victory.
This result means NSK advance to Qualifier 2 where they will face the Wolves in what promises to be a high stakes showdown. With Negi leading from the front, NSK will feel confident that they have the firepower to challenge for a spot in the final.
For the Lions, it was a disappointing exit. They were undone not by the rain, but by a clinical bowling performance that left no room for recovery.