Pune Panthers kept their hopes alive in the inaugural edition of the Indian Junior Players League Talent Hunt as they beat Kolkata Strikers by six wickets here today.
In other matches, Dehradun Rockers recorded their second consecutive win in the IJPL, trouncing Chennai Champs by seven wickets, while Haryana Hurricanes thrashed MP Warriors by the same margin.
The Pune Panthers-Kolkata Strikers had a gripping end with the former scampering home in the last delivery of the match in spite of a flying start from their opening pair.
Opting to bat, Kolkata Strikers scored 129 for six in 20 overs, with contributions from Ajit Kumar (22 runs off 26 balls) and Mohd. Azharuddin (20 off just 8 balls).
However, Ali Mirza seized the opportunity with both hands after being dropped at 4, and took Pune Panthers home in style. Mirza's brilliant 70 runs off 63 balls was the highlight of the Panthers' win in this do-or-die battle for both teams.
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