Bengal T20 League: Suraj's hat-trick fires Malda into final against Rarh Tigers
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal claimed a stunning hat-trick in the final over to power Sobisco Smashers Malda into the Bengal T20 League Season 3 final, defeating Servotech Siliguri Strikers by 11 runs in the second semifinal at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Saturday, 20 June. Malda will now face Shrachi Rarh Tigers in the summit clash after Rarh dismantled Novus Royals Purulia by seven wickets in the first semifinal.
Malda's Match: Hat-Trick Seals the Deal
Batting first, Sobisco Smashers Malda posted 134 in 20 overs, anchored by Writam Porel's gritty 49. Ishan Porel (4-32) and Vishal Bhati (2-34) were the standout bowlers for Siliguri Strikers, keeping Malda's total in check.
Chasing 135, Servotech Siliguri Strikers were restricted to 123/9 in 20 overs, falling 11 runs short. Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal's decisive hat-trick in the final over extinguished any remaining hopes of a Siliguri comeback, finishing with figures of 3-30. Prayas Ray Barman chipped in with 2-22 to support Malda's bowling effort.
Rarh Tigers Cruise Past Purulia
In the earlier semifinal, Novus Royals Purulia struggled with the bat after being put in first, losing wickets at regular intervals before being bowled out for 107 in 18.2 overs. Lokesh top-scored with 48, while Mithilesh Das contributed 23.
Shrachi Rarh Tigers' bowling attack proved relentless: Rohit Kumar led the charge with 4-24, backed by Shahbaz Ahmed (2-31) and Sukhmeet Singh (2-7). In reply, Rarh Tigers cruised to 110/3 in just 12.1 overs. Sumanta Gupta anchored the chase with an unbeaten 47 off 31 balls, while Shahbaz Ahmed contributed a brisk 31 off 20 balls.
About the Bengal T20 League
The Bengal T20 League is a franchise-based T20 competition organised under the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Now in its third season, the tournament features eight city-based franchises spanning West Bengal — Adamas Howrah Warriors, Novus Royals Purulia, Kolkata Royal Tigers, Murshidabad Kings & Kueens, Rashmi Nes Medinipur Wizards, Servotech Siliguri Strikers, Shrachi Rarh Tigers, and Sobisco Smashers Malda — competing across men's and women's competitions. Men's matches are held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with women's fixtures at the JU Salt Lake Campus, Kolkata.
Brief Scores
Sobisco Smashers Malda 134 (20 overs) beat Servotech Siliguri Strikers 123/9 (20 overs) by 11 runs.
Novus Royals Purulia 107 all out (18.2 overs) lost to Shrachi Rarh Tigers 110/3 (12.1 overs) by 7 wickets.
The Bengal T20 League final between Sobisco Smashers Malda and Shrachi Rarh Tigers is set to be a compelling contest, with Malda's bowling depth against Rarh's all-round firepower making for an intriguing title decider.