In an unforgettable semifinal encounter of the Vidarbha Pro T20 League 2025, Jitesh Sharma etched his name into local cricketing folklore by striking a dramatic six off the final delivery to seal NECO Master Blaster’s place in the final. Facing Bharat Rangers at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, NECO chased down a mammoth 205-run target in a breathtaking finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball.
Bharat Rangers had earlier posted a formidable 204 for 3, led by a scintillating knock from their captain Atharva Taide, who scored 94 off just 53 balls. His innings, studded with boundaries and precise stroke play, gave Bharat a commanding total. Despite the pressure of a big chase, NECO remained composed throughout their innings, with key contributions from their top and middle-order batters.
As the match reached its final moments, the tension escalated. With NECO requiring 5 runs off the final delivery, the hopes of the team rested firmly on the shoulders of their captain Jitesh Sharma. Rising to the occasion, Sharma launched the last ball into the stands for a maximum, clinching victory by six wickets in the most thrilling fashion possible.
Jitesh Sharma finished unbeaten on 46 off just 22 balls, an innings that included six towering sixes. His calm under pressure and fearless strokeplay demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the most promising finishers in the domestic circuit. Having recently impressed in the IPL, Sharma once again showcased his ability to thrive in high-stakes situations.
Courtney Walsh And Curtly Ambrose Kick Off MLC Action At Oakland Coliseum, Joined By Adam Gilchrist; Video
Cricketing legends Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose brought a wave of nostalgia and excitement to the United States as they delivered the ceremonial first balls at the historic Oakland Coliseum, marking a significant moment in the rise of Major League Cricket (MLC). Standing behind the stumps to receive those deliveries was none other than the iconic Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, Adam Gilchrist, adding further gravitas to the occasion.
The event was held as part of a promotional ceremony highlighting the expansion of MLC and the growing popularity of cricket in North America. The selection of the Oakland Coliseum, a stadium steeped in sports history and known primarily for baseball, symbolised a bridging of cultures and a bold new chapter for cricket in the United States.
Walsh and Ambrose, the fearsome West Indian pace duo who terrorized batters throughout the 1990s, returned to the field with the same charisma and presence that made them household names. Though the deliveries they bowled on this occasion were symbolic rather than thunderous, the moment carried a deep emotional weight for fans and players alike.
Adding to the special atmosphere was Adam Gilchrist, who crouched behind the stumps with his familiar grin, donning the gloves once more for the occasion. The Australian great, known for redefining the role of wicketkeeper-batsman, looked right at home as he shared the pitch with two of the greatest fast bowlers the game has ever seen.
