Bangalore Bashers secured a much-needed victory as they thrashed Dynamic Delhi by nine wickets in match 12 of the inaugural Entertainers Cricket League to remain in contention for the ECL 2024 playoffs.
In a do-or-die fixture, Dynamic Delhi captain Sonu Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first.
Wicketkeeper-batter Rahul Garg slammed 63 off 23 balls while his opening partner Lakshya Singh scored a 17-ball 27 before Dynamic Delhi were bowled out for 124.
Tanush Sethi and Shubham Chawla were pick of the bowlers for Bangalore Bashers with three wickets each.
In reply, Bangalore Bashers rode on opener Umang Sethi’s unbeaten 72 off just 17 balls and captain Abhishek Malhan’s 40 not out off 10 balls to help their side chase down the target in just 4.4 overs to register a dominating nine-wicket win and also stay alive in the first edition of the Entertainers Cricket League.
With their first win in the tournament, Bangalore Bashers have jumped to fourth spot in the ECL 2024 standings.
Know how Bangalore Bashers can qualify for ECL 2024 playoffs.
Entertainers Cricket League: How can Bangalore Bashers qualify for ECL 2024 playoffs
Bangalore Bashers have an outside chance to qualify for the ECL 2024 playoffs.
While the inaugural Entertainers Cricket League is headed towards its climax, as many as three teams have already sealed their places in the playoffs.
Lucknow Lions, Haryanvi Hunters and Mumbai Disruptors are the teams that have already qualified for the inaugural Entertainers Cricket League playoffs with three wins.
Munawar Faruqui-led Mumbai Disruptors, Elvish Yadav’s Haryanvi Hunters and Anurag Dwivedi’s Lucknow Lions have already accumulated six points.
With the defeat against Bangalore Bashers on Wednesday, Dynamic Delhi are the only team to be knocked out of the ECL 2024 playoffs race.
Hence, Bangalore Bashers and Punjab Veers are in contention for the fourth and final playoff spot.
The Abhishek Malhan-led Bangalore Bashers have played all their five matches in the ongoing T10 tournament and will depend on the results of Punjab Veers to know their fate.
Punjab Veers are still scheduled to play their remaining two league fixtures against Haryanvi Hunters and Mumbai Disruptors.
As a result, Bangalore Bashers can qualify for ECL 2024 playoffs only if Punjab Veers lose both their remaining two league matches.
If Punjab Veers succumb to defeats in their final two league matches, Bangalore Bashers will be the fourth team to qualify for the ECL 2024 playoffs.
Photo credit: Imago
