Suraj shines as Servotech Siliguri Strikers defend 141 in Bengal Pro T20 League opener

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal was the star of the night in the Bengal Pro T20 League 2024 opener as Ritwik Roy Chowdhury's Servotech Siliguri Strikers successfully defended 141 against Manoj Tiwary's Harbour Diamnods at Eden Gardens on Tuesday. Jasiwal's 29/4 in just 3.5 overs helped him win the Player of the Match award.

Batting first, Siliguri Strikers lost Abhishek Raman early, but Ankur Paul tried to boost their start with some powerful strike down the ground. After Ankur's dismissal after a solid 31 from 18 balls, none could find the rhythm to take on the Harbour Diamonds' bowlers. 

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Aritra Chatterjee, Prayas Ray Barman and Aman Shekhawat were among the wicket-takers for the Diamnods as Siliguri were bundled out for 141 in front of a nearly empty Eden Gardens. Shantanu's 44 from 41 balls was the only good thing that happened for Siliguri in the middle overs while for Harbour Diamonds, Prayas returned with 28/3 with his leg spin.

During the chase, the Diamnonds' batter never could get going. Sayan Shekhar Mondal struggled against Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal and eventually was picked up by him in the powerplay. Suvankar Bal and Abhijeet Bhagat soon departed as well with the asking rate slowly climbing up.

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Prayas tried to be positive with some excellent shots but was dismissed by Vikas Singh after an excellent 32 from 19 balls. Post that, except for Badal Singh Balyan, who came in as an impact player, could get going. Captain Manoj Tiwary was also dismissed for 4 from 13 balls.

Raj Kumar Pal was on the money with his three wickets but it was Sujaj Sindhu Jaiswal who not only took 4 wickets but held his nerve to defend 17 from the last over to help Harbour Diamnods get the first win of the season by 8 runs.