Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cup: Openers Karteek, Shivein setup Strikers win

* Royal Phantoms lost by 7 wickets, captain's half-century did not help

Riding on 77-run opening-wicket partnership between Karteek Sharma (79 off 48) and Shivein Rakheja (51 off 24), JK Super Strikers recorded a fine seven-wicket win over Royal Phantoms in a match played during the ongoing second Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cup being organised by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Saturday.

Carrying forward his fine form, Karteek played well for his unbeaten 79-run knock which included six sixes and four boundaries at a strike-rate of 164. He made sure that he stayed at the crease throughout the chase making it a successful one. Meanwhile, Shivein’s knock had 10 hits to the fence and one six and his knock came at a massive strike-rate of 212.

Batting first, Phantoms made 157/3 in 20 overs with captain Anmolpreet Singh scoring the highest and unbeaten 55 runs off 33 balls. He hit two sixes and five boundaries. Opener Jaskaranvir Paul also came good at the top hitting 51 runs off 47 deliveries. Anmolpreet was supported by Sohraab Dhaliwal who hit 32 off 14 balls at a strike-rate of 228. The duo took Phantoms to 157.

In reply, Strikers raced to the target in 16.4 overs, losing three wickets. Openers Karteek and Shivein came heavily at the opposition bowlers adding 77 runs in 6.2 overs. Phantoms bowlers failed to stop the Strikers openers onslaught. Captain Sanvir Singh (8), Shahbaz Sandhu (10) and Aarush Sabharwal (3) could not contribute much to the winning team’s cause but Karteek anchored the chase for Strikers.