Ankit Bhatnagar
Marketing

Amar Ujala AMCL 2012: Karmatech, Dainik Jagran, NewsX and ZenithOptimedia win on Day 1 and 2 in Delhi

The first match of the current season saw a lot of runs scored. Other face-offs of the first two days presented an exciting mix of bubbling youthful energy, sportsmanship and the hunger to win.

With a bright sunny sky and the wintry Delhi chill still in the air, Day One of the fourth season of Agency and Media Cricket League, sponsored by Amar Ujala, started with palpable energy, enthusiasm and a competitive spirit. The first match of the current season was played between Karmatech Mediaworks and Amar Ujala.

Amar Ujala versus Karmatech

Amar Ujala AMCL 2012: Karmatech, Dainik Jagran, NewsX and ZenithOptimedia win on Day 1 and 2 in Delhi
The cricket ground at Kalka Public School saw two bunches of enthusiastic players, each raring to outdo the other. The eventful day of the tournament started with Karmatech Mediaworks winning the toss and deciding to bowl first. The first ball by Sunny Bajaj was sent to the boundary by Saurav, setting the pace to what was to be expected from the match - lots of runs. Saurav, however, didn't stay on for long and was sent packing when he got bowled by Sunny in the very next over. Ankur, who came next, started settling in pretty fast and scored a boundary on the very first ball. But in a bid to take an extra run, he was dismissed by Bajaj at a measly four runs.

Manmohan from Team Karmatech was the batsman to look out for. Though he fell short of a half century, he enthralled the spectators with a generous dose of fours and sixes. Manmohan not only scored 42 runs off 22 balls (4X4, 3X6) but nudged his co-player Gaurav into playing a good inning. Gaurav scored 31 runs off 21 balls (4X4, 1X6). The high point was Sunny taking Manmohan's wicket when he drove his ball for a six, but was caught by Harkanwar Singh. Team Amar Ujala set a target of 150 runs for the opponents by losing six wickets. Anuj of Karmatech impressed with his fielding and stopped many precious boundaries, while Singh from the side took away the Man of the Match title.

Singh and Sunny opened the batting for Karmatech. The pair looked well-tuned and hungry for success. Kushal bowled the first over for Team Amar Ujala, but proved expensive as he ceded 40 runs off three overs, took one wicket and gave seven wide deliveries. Manmohan bowled next but could not stop the torrent of runs scored by Singh. He set the highest individual score in the first two days of AMCL. Scoring a formidable 83 runs (off 33 balls, 9X4, 6X6), the 29 year old (see box) not only helped his side win the match smoothly, but also reserved the coveted Man of the Match title. Karmatech won the match by five wickets.

Day 2 - Amar Ujala versus Dainik Jagran

The first match of Day Two was between Amar Ujala and Dainik Jagran. The latter won the toss and decided to field first. Team Amar Ujala set a target of 65 runs with a loss of seven wickets. The chasing team met the target and won the match in just five overs. Manmohan from Team Amar Ujala lacked the previous day's gusto and could only muster 17 runs off 11 balls (3X4). Mahipal and Ajay Bedi helped their side win by scoring 25 and 29 runs, respectively. Rohit Garg of Team Dainik Jagran was declared Man of the Match as he clinched one wicket and gave away just five runs in two overs. Team Dainik Jagran (named Jagran Jaguars) won the match by five wickets.

Images Bazaar versus NewsX

The next match of the day was between Images Bazaar and NewsX. The former won the toss and decided to bat first. The opening pair of Jainender and Harinder from Team Images Bazaar made ongoings look easy, as Jainender scored 40 runs off 13 balls (5X4,3X6) and Harinder scored 12 off equal number of balls. But as soon as the opening pair dwindled, the batting line-up fell like a pack of cards. Team NewsX after some initial misfielding brought its act together and limited the oppponents to an easy target of 100 runs. Naushad, Kashif, Manoj and Royden all took a wicket each while ceding 26, 28, 13 and 24 runs respectively. The result of the match became apparent when the opening batsman and the captain of Team NewsX, Manoj conveniently finished his half century. He scored 56 runs off 21 balls with the help of a dozen boundaries. For an unbeaten knock-out, he deservingly went away with the Man of the Match trophy. Team NewsX won the match in seven overs by six wickets.

Aegis Media versus ZenithOptimedia

The last match of the day was between Aegis Media and ZenithOptimedia. The latter won the toss and elected to bowl first. Team Aegis set a target of 93 runs with a loss of six wickets. The chasing team met the target and won the match easily. Faiz of Team Aegis scored 38 runs (off 23 balls, 5X1, 1X6). Dilip Daniel from the opposing side spoilt the party and scored 64 runs off 36 balls (11X4, 1X6). In a closely contested decision, Naveen Pandey won the Man of the Match title as he bowled the only maiden over and gave away just seven runs in three overs. Team ZenithOptimedia won the match by seven runs.

Amar Ujala AMCL-2012 is supported by Zee Studio and DNA. Cricket Today is the magazine partner for the tournament.

For the complete scorecard click here.

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