Amar Ujala AMCL 2011: GroupM, Starcom, Mercantile Advertising and Affle shine through Day 2

GroupM versus Images Bazaar

Starting its winning streak, GroupM won the toss and decided to bat first. Raw from the previous day's defeat at DraftFCB Ulka's hand, the team looked ahead for a smooth victory. That is what it managed, with an unbeaten knockout of 89 runs by Mohit (off 33 balls, 13X4, 5X6). A sturdy second wicket partnership with Bharat saw GroupM setting a comfortable score of 152 runs after losing only one wicket.

The highlight of the batting side was its splendid show with boundaries and sixes. The duo (Mohit and Bharat) scored 112 runs (off 43 balls, 15X4, 7X6). Images Bazaar's bowlers could not make a dent -- either in its opponent's ambition, or in its score. All the bowlers -- Kailash, Vikas, Jainender and Pradeep -- seemed to have lost steam as GroupM's score crossed the benchmark of 100, and then 150 runs.

With his commendable bowling, Bharat clinched four wickets in three overs, ceding only 12 runs. With measured bowling and a well thought-out strategy, Bharat, with help from Deepanshu, made things easier for GroupM. The advertising agency won the match by 57 runs.

Ogilvy versus Starcom

The second match of the day was played between Ogilvy and Starcom. Ogilvy won the toss and decided to bat first. Nitesh, the opener, went back without opening his account on a yorker from Tushar of Starcom. The team, it seems, lacked a focussed strategy and wrapped up the inning at 95 runs off 9.4 overs. Except PS Chauhan, who scored 31 runs off 18 balls sprinkled with six boundaries, none of the players could stand up to Starcom's bowling attack.

When Team Starcom came to bat, it looked keen on taking advantage of what the bowlers had achieved -- restricting the opponents to an easy score. Akshay Sharma scored a half-century (off 20 balls, 5X4, 4X6) and helped his side achieve the target in only 6.3 overs. Sharma won the Man of the Match trophy for his unbeaten knockout of 50 runs. He also took two wickets.

Contract versus Mercantile

The third match of the day was the easiest of the lot. In this match, Mercantile Advertising faced Contract Advertising. The former won the toss and set a target of 171 runs, with a loss of two wickets. The target, one of the impressive ones of the day, pressurised the opponents from the very first ball. The bowlers of Contract Advertising proved fatal for the side as they gave away 22 runs in extras.

Mercantile's bowling line up, led by Joginder, tilted the match towards it. Sachin and Raman Ghai took three wickets each, conceding 44 runs collectively. Rising high on the previous day's win, Mercantile, with a pumped-up momentum, won the match with evident ease.

Affle versus Pioneer Next

The last match on Sunday was between Affle and Pioneer Next. The former was playing its debut match against Pioneer Next, a regular at AMCL and also a favourite to win the match. Pioneer Next won the toss and elected to bat first. Soon, the team, in high spirits from the previous day's win, realised that it was up against serious competition. Luvneesh of Affle caught Gaurav Nagar, the star batsman of the team, off a ball from his namesake, Gaurav Daryani.

Gaurav of Affle proved crucial for his team as his unbeaten 48 runs (off 25 balls, 5X4, 3X6) powered the team to victory in its very first match in AMCL. The young player was deservingly awarded the Man of the Match trophy.

For the complete scorecard, click here.

Amar Ujala AMCL 2011 is powered by Images Bazaar and is supported by associate sponsors UTV Action and All Sports magazine. Radio partner for the cricket tournament is Fever FM and the outdoor partner is Katha. The cricket partner for the season is SG, while Cricket Today is the magazine partner. Indigo Nation is the gift partner for the initiative.