Aarav shines in Vasai Centre’s win; to meet Goregaon in final

Aarav Malhotra

Riding on a stellar bowling performance from the bowlers, Vasai Centre beat Thane Centre on better quotient in the semi-finals of the 25th Ajit Naik Memorial cricket tournament at Worli Sports Club on Friday.

Vasai resumed Day Two at 255-7 after 85 overs. They added 63 runs to their total and decided to declare at 318-9. Off-spinner Aarav Malhotra claimed 4-30. Aarav didn't allow the Thane batsmen to settle and was constantly attacking the pads to trouble them.

He received good support from Yuvraj Patil and Adved Raut, who picked two wickets each. Aarav's all-round performance resulted in him claiming the player of the match award.

For Thane, it was Neel Bhalekar (35) and Karthik Kumar (65') who showed some fight in an otherwise ordinary batting display. Vasai will now face Goregaon Centre in the final.

Goregaon defeated Vasantdada Patil College Centre (VDPC) on first innings lead. After declaring at 359-6, Goregaon bowled out VDPC for 144.

Skipper Aeklavya Khade's 92 went in vain as there was no helping hand at the other end. Tanish Shetty of Goregaon was adjudged man of the match for his 72 and 2-22.