BCCI AGM Festival Match: Ganguly, Shah shine but President XI falls short

BCCI AGM Festival Match: Sourav Ganguly vs Jay Shah- Iconic former India captain Sourav Ganguly’s trademark offside drives and step-out shots were on full display once again but his team, BCCI President’s XI fell short by one run against Jay Shah-led Secretary’s XI in an exhibition match here on Friday.

BCCI AGM Festival Match: The 15-overs-a-side match at the Eden Gardens, held on the eve of the Board’s AGM, had its share of nostalgia. Playing the role of a finisher, Ganguly, who batted at No. 6, smashed two sixes and four boundaries en route to a 20-ball 35. He had to retire — as per the rules of the match — and his team fell short by just a run.

BCCI AGM Festival Match: Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah shine but President XI falls short by one run against Secretary XI in thriller

Also read: BCCI AGM Agenda: BCCI likely to decide fate of India’s tour of South Africa, Ahmedabad franchise & IPL 2022 auction date

The teams of President’s XI and Secretary’s XI comprising of #BCCI members at #EdenGardens. BCCI President @SGanguly99 and BCCI Secretary @JayShah during the toss.#CAB pic.twitter.com/YAAzY7yg8A

— CABCricket (@CabCricket) December 3, 2021

Former Indian captain, current #BCCI president and the Prince of Calcutta @SGanguly99 picked up the bat once again to thrash bowlers all around the park at #EdenGardens today!#CAB pic.twitter.com/31GpmjC9fA

— CABCricket (@CabCricket) December 3, 2021

Former Indian Captain @azharflicks back to the 22 yards to wow everyone present at #EdenGardens today.#CAB pic.twitter.com/lsa7NMI1cE

— CABCricket (@CabCricket) December 3, 2021

BCCI AGM Festival Match: At Ganguly’s home ground, it was the BCCI secretary Shah who did the star turn, picking 3/58 with his seven overs of spin bowling to defend 128 on a nippy December evening. His wickets included that of Mohammad Azharuddin, one of Eden’s favourites, who was trapped lbw for 2. Shah also dismissed Suraj Lotlikar of Goa Cricket Association.

And finally, @SGanguly99 walks in to bat replacing @CabCricket President Avishek Dalmia pic.twitter.com/TCsuRvnHoK

— Yash Chawla (@chawla_yash) December 3, 2021

@SGanguly99 in full flow! What a sight for all cricket fans pic.twitter.com/BGWWf5ud3M

— Yash Chawla (@chawla_yash) December 3, 2021

@JayShah with some spin! pic.twitter.com/J1pR6VT64c

— Yash Chawla (@chawla_yash) December 3, 2021

BCCI AGM Festival Match: There was a third blow, without any addition to the total, in the first ball of the next over when Cricket Association of Bengal president Avishek Dalmiya, who opened the batting, was run out for 13. Then came the city’s favourite son Ganguly who batted with his usual elegance as he drove and cut on the off-side and sent two balls out of the ground with his trademark step- out shots to race to 35.

Earlier, electing to bat, BCCI Secretary’s XI rode on a 92-run partnership between Arun Dhumal (36) and Jaydev Shah (40) to post 128 for three in the stipulated overs.

Azharuddin and Ganguly shared the new ball and bowled 10 overs between them.

BCCI AGM Festival Match: Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah shine but President XI falls short by one run against Secretary XI in thriller

Ganguly returned with 1/19 from his 3 overs, taking the wicket of Pranav Amin, while Azharuddin had figures of 2-0-8-0.

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