Greater Noida, June 3: The second season of the Big Cricket League began in emphatic fashion as Shikhar Dhawan rolled back the years with a commanding half-century to guide UP Brij Stars to a six-wicket victory over defending champions Mumbai Marines at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Gautam Buddh Nagar.
Chasing a competitive target of 172, the Brij Stars rode on their skipper's authoritative 80 off 53 deliveries to overhaul the target with eight balls to spare, finishing on 172/4 in 18.4 overs.
Mumbai Marines Post Competitive Total
After being asked to bat first, Mumbai Marines posted 171/9 from their 20 overs, thanks largely to contributions from Naman Ojha, Mohamed Amaan and Anureet Singh.
Ojha provided the early momentum with an aggressive 40 off 23 balls, striking
four fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 173.91. Mohamed Amaan continued the charge with 34 from 21 deliveries before Ross Taylor's brief stay ended for nine.
Shivansh Kapoor chipped in with a quick-fire 21 off 12 balls, while Anureet Singh's late cameo of 31 from just 17 deliveries helped the defending champions push past the 170-mark.
However, regular wickets prevented the Marines from fully capitalising on promising starts.
For UP Brij Stars, Jeevan Mendis was the standout bowler with figures of 2/23 from four overs, while Saurin Thakar claimed 2/36. Chirag Gandhi, Jatin Mavi and Jermaine Blackwood chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Dhawan Leads from the Front
The chase got off to a brisk start as Kennar Lewis smashed 12 off eight balls before being bowled by Anureet Singh.
After Shubham Singh and Jermaine Blackwood fell attempting to accelerate, Dhawan ensured there was no panic in the dressing room. The veteran opener mixed caution with aggression, rotating the strike efficiently while punishing anything loose.
His innings featured seven boundaries and four sixes, with the left-hander maintaining complete control of the chase.
By the time Dhawan departed in the 16th over for a superb 80, UP Brij Stars were firmly in command at 134/4.
Gandhi and Sikarwar Finish the Job
After Dhawan's dismissal, Chirag Gandhi and Vikas Sikarwar completed the formalities.
Gandhi remained unbeaten on 32 from 21 balls, while Sikarwar added a rapid 17 not out from just nine deliveries as the Brij Stars sealed victory with eight deliveries remaining.
The pair ensured there were no late jitters as the hosts opened their campaign with a statement win against the defending champions.
Mumbai Bowlers Struggle to Contain Dhawan
Mumbai Marines found breakthroughs at regular intervals but were unable to halt Dhawan's dominance.
Nitish Hooda, Manan Sharma, Yaseen Vallie and Anureet Singh picked up one wicket each, but none could stem the flow of runs once Dhawan settled at the crease.
Mohamed Amaan was the most economical bowler, conceding just nine runs from his two overs, but the lack of sustained pressure allowed the Brij Stars to keep the required rate comfortably under control.
Ideal Start for UP Brij Stars
Defeating the defending champions in the opening fixture represents a perfect start to the campaign for UP Brij Stars.
With Dhawan leading from the front, valuable support from Gandhi and Sikarwar, and a disciplined bowling performance restricting Mumbai Marines to 171/9, the Brij Stars have immediately established themselves as one of the teams to watch in Big Cricket League Season 2.
Brief Scores
Mumbai Marines 171/9 (20 overs): Naman Ojha 40 (23), Mohamed Amaan 34 (21), Anureet Singh 31 (17); Jeevan Mendis 2/23, Saurin Thakar 2/36.
UP Brij Stars 172/4 (18.4 overs): Shikhar Dhawan 80 (53), Chirag Gandhi 32* (21), Vikas Sikarwar 17* (9); Anureet Singh 1/16, Nitish Hooda 1/23.
UP Brij Stars won by 6 wickets.
