Dobal upstages Bidhuri as Golden Eagle win in GG Dutt cricket

Kunwar Bidhuri had done almost everything in his capacity to take his team to a strong total. But the Delhi player’s 143 went in vain as Ekansh Dobal, a Delhi state age-group player, hammered 163 to lead Golden Eagle Club to a thrilling one-wicket win over Friends Cricket Club at the St Stephen’s grounds on Wednesday in the Goswami Ganesh (GG) Dutt Memorial Cricket Tournament.

Bidhuri, a left-handed batsman, hit 11 fours and eight sixes on way to 143 off 111 balls.

“Tournaments like these are very important for a player like me since many old people are aware of it. So, performing here brings one into notice. But my performance today didn’t get us the desired result as we lost. So, I am not that happy,” said Bidhuri after his knock.

The wicket was batting-friendly just like on the first day of the tournament on Tuesday when Sahgal Cricket Club had scored 392 in their innings to win by 120 runs.

On Wednesday, Bidhuri’s ton helped Friends Cricket Club reach 314/8 in 40 overs.

But it didn’t prove enough largely due to a 94-ball 163 from Ekansh Dobal, who helped Golden Eagle recover from 46/3 and return to path of victory. By the time Dobal was dismissed after an innings that included 10 sixes and 14 fours, the team’s score had reached 307 in the 38^th over and Golden Eagle were sniffing victory.

“The wicket and the ground here is such that it is easy to chase scores in excess of 300. The ball was coming onto the bat well and I went with the flow,” said the 23-year-old Dobal, who had also scored 145 in the Laxman Dass Memorial Cricket.

Golden Eagle Club eventually reached the target in 39 overs, losing nine wickets.

 While the left-handed middle-order batsman Dobal was once part of the Delhi under-23 squad and has represented the Delhi under-19 and under-16 sides, he has not managed to break through the under-25. He wasn’t selected last year.

He is going to give it a try this year too, he says.

Opening batsman Bidhuri, who was part of Delhi’s one-day side for Vijay Hazare Trophy last season, is hoping for a return to Delhi days’ format side which he last represented over three years ago.

 “What is in our hands is hard work. We have to work hard to perform and hope for the best. Be honest with yourself,” said Bidhuri after the match.