Arrush Arora’s sensational century and teammate Arush Pundle’s five-wicket haul powered Podar International School (Powai) to a commanding six-wicket win over Vidya Vikasini English High School (Vasai) in the Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) Harris Shield boys U-16 inter-school cricket tournament at the Karnataka Sports ground on Thursday.
Chasing a target of 198, Podar opener, Arora, scored 108 off 58 balls (three sixes and eight fours). The right-hander stitched together a crucial partnership of 161 runs with fellow opener Trinay Salian (64) to ensure Podar stayed well ahead in the chase throughout. Arora’s innings was a perfect blend of patience and power-hitting, as he punished the loose deliveries and rotated the strike smartly to keep the scoreboard ticking. The Powai outfit got over the line in 28.1 overs with six wickets to spare. Yakshit Magar (2-40) was the pick of the bowlers for VVHS, while Rishabh Kobnak claimed 1-25.
Earlier, VVHS managed to post 197 for nine in 45 overs, thanks to skipper Sarthak Khare’s 65, while Jahan Dalvi (26) and Tanush Chavan (25) also contributed useful runs in the middle order.
However, their innings was heavily dented by the brilliance of Podar’s left-arm spinner Pundle, who exploited the helpful conditions to finish with 5-52 in 19 overs (including three maidens). He found solid support from Abhay Yakkundi (1-15), and Ayaan Bhatia (1-47).