The intent and eagerness of the Board President’s XI players to impress was the cornerstone of a fine 152-run win over England Lions in the two-day warm up match at the KCA-St. Xavier’s College ground here on Monday.
Captain Ishan Kishan (55 not out) led a slew of impressive batting performances on the final day that set England Lions an improbable target of 235 to chase in 30 overs.
The visitors’ response was muted as it didn’t make any attempt to chase down the target.
The Lions batsmen played in a traditional Test match style rather than the T20 style, which was required to force a win, and in the end the side laboured to 82 for two off 30 overs.
The only positive for Lions in the second innings was captain Sam Billings’ confident knock of 36 not out. He looked comfortable and played a few attractive strokes during his stay in the middle.
Ishan’s love affair with the ground, which launched him on to the big league, continued as he belted a quick-fire half century off 55 balls studded with four sixes and five fours.
The BPXI innings was given impetus by Ishan’s late assault on the England spinners as it finished with 246 for six off 60 overs.
Extended spells
In the morning, Lions chose to test their bowling resources giving extended spells to medium pacers.
The quicker bowlers struck to the virtues of nagging accuracy which made scoring difficult.
Jamie Overton, most impressive of the pacers, drew first blood when he had opener Dhruv Shorey ballooning a return catch.
However, Akshanth Reddy (49) and Ricky Bhui (51 retired) survived a torrid testing phase and scored freely when the spinners came on.
The duo added 81 runs for the second wicket until Akshanth holed out to the deep. Bhui completed his deserved half-century before retiring.
The scores: England Lions 145 for six & 82 for two in 30 overs (Sam Billings 36 not out) lost to Board President’s XI 134 for five & 246 for six in 60 overs (Ishan Kishan 55 not out, Ricky Bhui 51 rtd, Akshanth Reddy 49).
