Bengal T20 Challenge has come a bit late in the Indian domestic local tournaments but has come a good. In the second season of the tournament, CAB has tried to mix the district talents with Bengal probables. And, they have been quite successful till now. Shakir Habib Gandhi, an under-23 wicket-keeper batsman is definite proof of that.
Though Gandhi had a good season with Tapan Memorial in last year's Bengal T20 Challenge, he did not look at his best in the tournament.
This time he has his eyes set on bigger roles. Surely, Durgapur Dazzlers is providing him with some opportunities. In the match against Kolkata Heroes, Durgapur was looking the favourites to win. However, in a rain hindered match which was restricted to 11 overs a side, Durgapur fell apart for just 74 while chasing only 75.
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Habib Gandhi was the highest scorer for Durgapuer Dazzlers scoring 25 off 14 balls. Though he was unlucky to get run out by Suvankar Ball in the last ball of the inning.
As the game went on to super over after a thrilling tie, Durgapur's captain Avishek Raman decided to go with Gandhi as looked by far the best batter in the team. With already a set eye in the crease, this was the opportunity for him to be the hero. And boy did he nailed the opportunity.
Habib Gandhi's eyes lit up when he saw left-arm spinner, Ramesh Prasad, with the ball in hand. Gandhi hawked Prasad for 2 fours and 2 sixes to take 22 runs from the super over to make it next to impossible for Kolkata to win. In reply, Kolkata Heroes could only manage four runs as Sandipan Das proved to be a hard bowler to score off.
Final Score:
Kolkata Heroes 73/8 (11)
Super Over - Durgapur Dazzlers 24, Kolkata Heroes 4.