une, June 21, 2023: Azim Kazi exhibited exceptional leadership skills as he guided the Ratnagiri Jets to a thrilling victory over the Nashik Titans in the Shriram Capital Maharashtra Premier League (MPL). Kazi, both captain and player, played a crucial role in his team’s 12-run triumph at the MCA International Stadium in Gahunje.
With this win, both the Ratnagiri Jets and the Eagle Nashik Titans have secured their places in the playoffs. With six points each (P4, W3, L1), they now have the opportunity to advance to the final regardless of other match results.
Chasing a target of 201 runs, Nashik appeared to be in control of the game, aiming for their fourth consecutive victory. Wicketkeeper Mandar Bhandari, who scored a blistering 74 runs (39 balls, 8 fours, 4 sixes), and captain Rahul Tripathi (24 runs off 20 balls, 1 four, 1 six) had formed a solid partnership of 78 runs for the second wicket.
At the critical moment, Kazi introduced himself into the attack during the 12th over. He immediately dismissed his counterpart, Tripathi, with his first delivery. Tripathi, who had been playing a supporting role, skied the ball to Divyang Hinganekar at long-on. Kazi struck again on the third ball, claiming the crucial wicket of Bhandari, who chopped the ball onto the stumps while attempting a cut shot.
In his next over, Kazi removed Siddhesh Veer, a promising U-19 World Cup player, reducing Nashik’s score from 110-1 to 128-4. But Kazi wasn’t finished yet. He bowled an outstanding 18th over, conceding just five runs and finishing with figures of 3 for 29. Unsurprisingly, he was awarded the Player of the Match title for his remarkable performance.
Despite the efforts of Dhanraj Shinde, who scored an unbeaten 43 runs off 23 balls (2 fours, 4 sixes), Nashik fell short of the target. Pradeep Dadhe (1 for 27 in 3 overs) and Divyang Hinganekar (1 for 27 in 4 overs) also contributed with crucial wickets for Ratnagiri.
Earlier in the match, after Nashik captain Rahul Tripathi elected to field first, Ratnagiri posted an imposing total of 200 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Dhiraj Phatangare led the charge with an impressive 70 runs off 51 balls (6 fours, 4 sixes). Despite losing Kazi early on for 14 runs (8 balls, 3 fours), Phatangare formed crucial partnerships, first with Preetam Patil (33 runs off 19 balls, 5 sixes) and later with wicketkeeper Nikhil Naik (41 runs off 28 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes).
A late flourish by Kiran Chormale (18 runs off 5 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes) and Divyang Hinganekar (17 runs off 9 balls, 2 fours) propelled Ratnagiri Jets to a formidable total of 200 runs.
Among the Nashik bowlers, Samadhan Pagare (2 for 32 in 4 overs) and Aditya Rajhans (1 for 27 in 4 overs) were the standout performers. However, pacer Izhaan Sayed (1 for 62 in 4 overs) proved expensive.
In summary, Ratnagiri Jets scored 200 for 4 in 20 overs, while the Nashik Titans managed 188 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Ratnagiri’s victory was secured by a margin of 12 runs.
The impressive performance by Azim Kazi and his team has now propelled them into the playoffs, keeping their hopes alive for clinching the Maharashtra Premier League title.
