In a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural Entertainers Cricket League (ECL), Elvish Yadav’s Haryanvi Hunters claimed victory in the T10 final, overpowering Anurag Dwivedi’s Lucknow Lions by eight wickets. The contest, held at Delhi’s IG Indoor Stadium, saw the Hunters chase down a target of 132 runs in just 7.1 overs, capping off an unbeaten campaign with a spectacular finish.
The clash not only marked the first ECL title for the Hunters but also showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, with key contributions from stars like Rohit Lamba, Lalit Yadav, and the unstoppable Anujj Chaudhary. Let’s break down how this thrilling final unfolded.
Lucknow Lions’ Early Struggles Despite Middle-Order Recovery
Lucknow Lions, winning the toss and opting to bat first, had a promising start when captain Anurag Dwivedi struck a few boundaries in the opening over. However, his dismissal on the fifth ball marked the beginning of a rapid decline. The Lions lost three wickets in the very next over, with Rohit Lamba striking thrice to dismantle their top order. At 25-4, the Lions seemed destined for a dismal total.
Yet, Aman Deep Singh and Ashish Kumar Meena had other plans. Singh’s blistering 46 off 17 balls, supported by Meena’s 35-run knock off 17 balls, gave the Lions’ innings a much-needed boost. They guided the team to a respectable total of 131-9 in their allotted 10 overs. While Lucknow’s middle-order fightback provided hope, it was clear that the Hunters had a manageable target in sight.
Hunters’ Explosive Chase Led by Anujj Chaudhary
Elvish Yadav and Keshav Chaudhary opened the innings for Haryanvi Hunters with a statement of intent. Yadav, known for his explosive batting, wasted no time, smashing four sixes in the very first over to put the Lions under immense pressure. Though he was dismissed in the third over, his quickfire 30 off just 8 balls gave the Hunters a strong platform.
Lalit Yadav stepped in to continue the onslaught, hitting two sixes of his own, but it was Anujj Chaudhary who stole the show. Coming in at number four, Anujj showcased his prowess, demolishing the Lions’ bowling attack with an unbeaten 63 off just 18 balls. His innings, studded with towering sixes and crisp boundaries, ensured that the Hunters coasted to victory with more than two overs to spare.
With Anujj’s heroics and Lalit’s finishing touch, the Hunters sealed an emphatic eight-wicket win, establishing themselves as the dominant force in the first-ever Entertainers Cricket League.
Rohit Lamba’s Impact and the Unstoppable Hunters
The match was a testament to the Hunters’ all-round strength, with Rohit Lamba setting the tone in the first innings. His three wickets in a single over not only derailed Lucknow’s start but also highlighted the depth in the Hunters’ bowling attack. Lamba’s crucial breakthroughs, along with Anujj’s powerful hitting, earned both players the Man of the Match honors.
Throughout the tournament, the Hunters exhibited unparalleled consistency, going unbeaten through the league stages and culminating in a clinical display in the final. Elvish Yadav’s leadership played a pivotal role in guiding the team to victory, with contributions from multiple players at different stages of the competition.
Elvish Yadav’s Post-Match Reflections
Following the triumph, captain Elvish Yadav was quick to express his gratitude to the team’s supporters. Acknowledging the role of fans in motivating the Hunters throughout the competition, Yadav spoke with humility and pride.
“The love and support of millions of fans has been the secret to our success,” said Yadav. “I bow down in front of them for all their love and I have nothing but gratitude. We played really well and managed to get the Haryanvi Hunters to win the maiden ECL trophy. It wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our players and the support of our fans.”
Yadav also lauded his teammates and the coaching staff, emphasizing that the team’s unity and determination were critical in maintaining their unbeaten run.
The inaugural ECL final between Haryanvi Hunters and Lucknow Lions delivered the high-octane action fans were hoping for, and in the end, it was the Hunters who emerged victorious. From Rohit Lamba’s devastating bowling to Anujj Chaudhary’s fireworks with the bat, Elvish Yadav’s side dominated in every aspect. As the first team to lift the ECL T10 trophy, the Hunters have set the bar high for future seasons, leaving fans eager to see what comes next in the world of entertainer-driven cricket.
Read More: How Hansi Flick Has Guided Barcelona to a Remarkable Start Despite Numerous Injuries
How old is Elvish Yadav?
27