Saklani’s record knock powers Tranquil Hawks Goa Strikers past Thrissur Legends
- August 30, 2025
Tranquil Hawks Goa Strikers produced a batting spectacle at the DCS You Selects Arena, posting a massive 221/4 in their 20 overs to overwhelm Jallus Foodstuffs Thrissur Legends by 37 runs. The innings revolved around a breathtaking assault from Ajay Saklani, who turned the contest into his own personal stage with a monumental 129 not out off 62 balls, laced with nine fours and nine towering sixes
Saklani was well supported by Rathesh Poojary’s 19 at the top and Shawn George’s gritty 31 in the middle, ensuring momentum was never lost. The late fireworks came courtesy of captain Revelino Fernandes, who hammered 31 off just 11 balls, clearing the ropes thrice in a dazzling cameo. Together, they stitched a total that left the Thrissur bowlers gasping for answers, with Shamz being the only bowler to trouble the batsmen, picking up two key scalps. For the rest, it was a tale of relentless hitting, with every mistake punished to the boundary
Chasing 222 was always going to be a tall order, yet Thrissur Legends began with fearless intent. Opener Linesh lit up the evening with a blazing 61 off just 26 deliveries, striking seven boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 234.62. His aggression was backed by captain Giri Nair, who held the innings together with 43 from 30 balls. At one stage, the chase seemed alive with 121 on the board for just two down. But once the openers departed, the innings slipped away rapidly.
The lower order tried to resist, with Leander Daryl Paul contributing a steady 29 and Shahir Mohammed adding a brisk 19, but Sachin Chhabra’s four-wicket burst, alongside Shawn George’s miserly spell of 2/16, crushed any hopes of a turnaround. From 125/4, the collapse was swift, and the chase fizzled out at 184/8. Thrissur’s batting bravado deserved applause, but the gulf created by Saklani’s dominance proved insurmountable
Star of the Match – Ajay Saklani
Tranquil Hawks Goa Strikers
Saklani’s unbeaten 129 off 62 balls, decorated with nine fours and nine sixes, was a masterclass in controlled aggression that shattered Thrissur’s bowling morale.
Master Blaster – Linesh
Jallus Foodstuffs Thrissur Legends
Linesh’s fiery 61 off 26 balls, filled with crisp timing and fearless stroke play, kept Thrissur in the contest before the chase faltered.
Power Arm – Shawn George
Tranquil Hawks Goa Strikers
George’s 4-over spell yielded 2/16, breaking the back of Thrissur’s middle order with precision and control, swinging momentum firmly to Goa.
Safe Hands – Ajay Saklani
Tranquil Hawks Goa Strikers
Saklani complemented his batting heroics with two sharp catches in the deep, proving his all-round value in a dominating display.
“Our batting clicked perfectly today, and Saklani’s brilliance gave us the cushion to play fearless cricket.”
Revelino Fernandes
Captain – Goa Strikers
“We fought hard with the bat, but Saklani’s innings simply left us chasing shadows throughout.”
Giri Nair
Captain – Thrissur Legends
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