Defending champions Raipur Rhinos were dethroned as Raigarh Lions stormed into their maiden Chhattisgarh Cricket Premier League (CCPL) final with a commanding nine-wicket victory in the second semifinal at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Nava Raipur, on Friday.
The result ensured that the third edition of the CCPL will crown a new champion. Raipur Rhinos had won the inaugural title and shared the trophy with Rajnandgaon Panthers last season, but their reign came to an end after a one-sided semifinal defeat.
Electing to field after winning the toss, Raigarh Lions produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict Raipur Rhinos to 116 for 9 in 20 overs in the second semi final of the day on Friday. The Rhinos struggled throughout the innings, with only three batters reaching double figures. Mayank Verma top-scored with 46, while Shahban Khan made 31 and Vaibhav Sahu added 24.
The star of the innings was Ayush Singh Thakur, who ripped through the batting order with a sensational five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick. Supported well by his fellow bowlers, Ayush ensured wickets fell at regular intervals and prevented the defending champions from building any momentum.
Raigarh made light work of the chase, racing to 117 for 1 in just 14 overs. Rishabh Tiwari anchored the innings with 40, while Sangeet Soni remained unbeaten on 50 as the Lions sealed victory with six overs to spare. Ayush Singh Thakur was named Player of the Match for his match-winning spell.
Earlier in the day, Bilaspur Bulls booked their place in the final with a convincing seven-wicket win over Bastar Bisons in the first semifinal.
After opting to bowl first, Bilaspur bundled out Bastar for 112 in 18.2 overs. Abdul Anas Khan scored 29 and Ameya Morey contributed 19, but the Bisons failed to recover from early setbacks. Rudra Pratap Dehari and Mohit Raut claimed three wickets apiece, with Raut also completing a hat-trick.
Bilaspur then chased down the target comfortably, reaching 113 for 3 in 15.4 overs. Vikalp Tiwari starred with an unbeaten 53, while Abhijit Tah (22) and Ayush Pandey (21) provided valuable support. Dev Aditya Singh picked up two wickets for Bastar.
Mohit Raut was adjudged Player of the Match as Bilaspur Bulls entered the CCPL final for the second time in tournament history.
The title clash between Bilaspur Bulls and first-time finalists Raigarh Lions will be played on Sunday, guaranteeing a new champion in CCPL Season 3.
