Sahara storms into final of Sheesh Mahal

Lucknow, May 1 (UNI) As expected, Sahara India today stormed into the final of 'Sahara City Homes' Sheesh Mahal cricket tournament.

For the top honour of the 54th edition of the tourney, Sahara's might will be tested by in-form Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) in the final match here tomorrow.

In the second semifinal, Sahara outclassed Rizvi Builder's Mumbai by five wickets at the K D Singh Babu Stadium here.

Batting first, Mumbai team looked under psychological pressure since the beginning of their innings against the strong Sahara team. Most of their batsmen threw their wickets away. Only middle order batsmen Brijesh Tomar (26) and lower order Rajesh Gupta (25) resisted the bowling.

Test discard, L R Shukla (3/08) removed the tailenders in quick succession in his 2.5 over spell and folded Mumbai's innings at 134 in the 35th over of the stipulated 40.

The winner's also started their chase in a shaky fashion lost their first three top order wickets quickly.

Team India star Gautam Gambhir's (9) poor form stayed put. He was trapped in front of the wickets by T Surendra.

Man of the match J P Yadav (50 not out and 2/30) and Joginder Sharma (23 not out) achieved the winning target of 135 runs after the 29th over with unbeaten sixth wicket partnership of 55 runs helping the cause. Another test discard Sanjay Bangar scored 17 runs as the opening batsman.

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