Team Affiliates maintained their spotless record in the ongoing iFest 2022 by defeating the Team Marketers with a considerable margin of 34 runs. With this win, the Team Affiliates becomes the only side in their group to remain unbeaten at the group stage. Piyush Sharma and Ronit Nahata, the stars of the previous victory for the Affiliates, again shined with their respective performances. Ankit Mandhan, Tanuj Kwatra, Gaurab Borah and the skipper Antas Ahuja also made vital contributions to the third consecutive win for the Affiliates.
Here’s how the game unfolded:
Team Marketers won the toss and invited the Team Affiliates to bat first in the match. Tanuj Kwatra and Jai Sharma came out to start the proceedings for the Affiliates. While Kwatra went to score a brilliant 31 off 16, his partner Sharma could not get going and departed for a duck. This made Gaurab Borah join Kwatra in the middle. Together the duo went on to stitch a significant partnership.
Gaurab Borah contributed 28 important runs, which paved the way for the middle and lower order to fire in the later parts of the game. Antas Ahuja, the skipper, was once again fabulous with his shot-making and became the highest scorer for the Affiliates in the game with his 37 off 20, which included 3 fours and 3 sixes.
Piyush Sharma, who was selected just about two minutes before the match actually commenced, played a flamboyant inning that set the tone for his team’s win. He was given a chance in the playing eleven due to an unfortunate injury. Sharma went on to smash 26 off just 9 deliveries with the help of 3 towering sixes and a four. He was well complimented by Mayank Goel and Ronit Nahata, who smashed the Marketers’ bowlers all around despite getting only a handful of deliveries to play.
Mayank Goel remained not out on 13* off 6 while Ronit Nahata smashed 11 off 4. Team Affiliates ended up with 149/7 in the 15 overs to set up an interesting match.
Also Read: Team Affiliates Qualifies for the Semi-Finals in iFest 2022 With A Huge Victory Over the Rankers
Chasing a steep target of 150, the Marketers needed a solid start, but Ankit Mandhan methodically decimated their hopes by bowling a wicket maiden. Following this, Ankit Mandhan and Ronit Nahata went on to pick three wickets each in the game to ensure a comfortable victory for the Affiliates. Piyush Sharma, Tanuj Kwatra and Vaibhav Goel were also among the bowlers who secured wickets in the game. Ronit Nahata was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his all-round performance in the game.
Team Affiliates will now go on to play the semifinals on 29th September 2022 from 6 AM onwards at CK Playstation, Noida. They will rely on their dependable captain Antas Ahuja to guide them towards the final with his valuable input in the semifinals. Antas has been exceptional with his decision-making throughout the tournament. He has led from the front by scoring significant runs in all three victories of the Team Affiliates. However, credit must be given to Puneet Rohaj and Akshay Garg as well cause they have shouldered the extra responsibility of being the reliable managers for the team in iFest 2022.
What Makes Team Affiliates Win Against the Marketers More Special?
You will be surprised to know that Team Affiliates did not get a minute’s sleep before their match against the Marketers. Their luxurious farmhouse was flooded at night due to the close proximity to Yamuna River, which suddenly experienced an overflow of water on the night of 26th September.
They encountered great difficulties and, despite that, went on to script a commendable victory. Their determination showcases that they are here to win the tournament and take the trophy home.
Team Affiliates is sponsored by vCommission, V3Cars and Proxgy in the iFest 2022.