Mercator blow away Gillette

BY : SYED WASEEM AFZAL.
While the most thrillingly watched series between Pakistan and India may have come to an end, the Corporate Winter Cup is truly swinging in full flow with Mercator making the quarterfinal grade following their drubbing of Gillette ME by 6 wickets on Friday, 16th April 2004.

Mercator honored their top billing and made meal off the requirements by outstripping them in 24.1 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Thanks to Arjun Raja, who showed his silken class and orchestrated two gutsy partnerships that ensured success is in the kitty.

Opener Arjun Raja was the cynosure of all eyes as he led the victory charge with a whirlwind 96 not out and together with Rajan, who provided excellent support with a rousing 59 slammed 124 match winning runs for the opening wicket.

Irrepressible Arjun batted with conviction and charisma and continued to dish out his familiar cavalier strokeplay when he eventually teamed up with Gavin (28 not out) to wrap up the issue after 3 quick wickets had given them a scare.

Earlier electing to bat first, a shaky start marked the innings of Gillette, who stuttered their way to 6 for 1 before the momentum was applied by Shiva (29 off 23 balls with 6 fours) and Prashant (30 off 30 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes), who both added 48 runs for the second wicket stand.

Amrut (27 with 3 fours) and Shailender (45 with 4 fours and 4 sixes) then played wonderfully well and provided the ascendancy with hurried knocks but sadly for Gillette ME, the good work failed to gather further drive as Mercator kept a tight leash towards the death.

Dawood though stood up from the tail and smacked a breezy 20 not as Gillette ME ultimately posted a competitive 206 for 9 in 25 overs.

Gavin (2 for 37) and Raj (2 for 39) were the most successful bowlers.

Click Here for Brief Scorecard.

Sunday, April 18, 2004.
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