ISPL Season 3: Ahmedabad Lions seal top spot, Tiigers of Kolkata book last playoff berth | Cricket News

Tiigers of Kolkata became the last and final team to qualify for the ISPL Season 3 playoffs. (ISPL)

In a thrilling contest that kept fans on edge until the final moments, Ahmedabad Lions pulled off a memorable 2-run victory against Chennai Singams in their final league match of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 3 at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium on Monday. The hard-fought win ensured Ahmedabad finished the league phase at the top of the table with 16 points. Chennai Singams also progressed to the next stage with 12 points.

Later in the day, Tiigers of Kolkata sealed the final playoff berth with a nervy two-wicket win over Falcon Risers Hyderabad. Chasing a modest target, the Tiigers got home with five balls remaining despite losing eight wickets, reaching 77 in response to Falcon Risers Hyderabad’s 76/9.The Ahmedabad vs Chennai clash, however, stood out for the Lions’ commanding power-hitting at the top of the order, which ultimately separated the two sides.Opting to bat first, Ahmedabad Lions put up a challenging 92/5 from their 10 overs. Opener Sikandarbhai Bhatti set the tone with an explosive start, smashing 34 off just 17 balls, an innings that featured five crisp boundaries. Although Prathamesh Thakre (4) and Sanjay Kanojjiya (3) were dismissed by Ashish Pal and Sunil Kumar, respectively, the Lions never allowed the momentum to slip.Amit Naik then took charge through the middle phase, compiling a crucial 29 from 17 deliveries. His knock, highlighted by two towering sixes, ensured Ahmedabad pushed past the 90-run mark. For Chennai Singams, Ankur Singh stood out with a superbly controlled spell, conceding only six runs while picking up a wicket in his two overs. Jagannath Sarkar also made an impact with figures of 1/9.In reply, Chennai Singams leaned heavily on Ketan Mhatre, who produced a superb unbeaten knock of 54 from 30 balls. His innings, decorated with six fours and two sixes, kept the chase alive. However, support was hard to come by. Aman Yadav managed 12 off 10 balls without finding many gaps, while Mohammed Nadeem (7) and Sarfraz Khan (4) were dismissed cheaply by the disciplined Ahmedabad attack.Ahmedabad skipper Jignesh Patel led from the front with the ball, returning figures of 2/14 from his two overs. His timely wickets, including those of Jagannath Sarkar and Aman Yadav, halted Chennai’s progress at crucial stages of the chase.Despite Mhatre’s valiant effort, Chennai Singams finished on 90/5 after 10 overs, falling heartbreakingly short of the target.With the league stage concluded, the ISPL now moves into a high-stakes playoff week. Action resumes on Tuesday with Ahmedabad Lions taking on Chennai Singams in Qualifier 1. Wednesday will see Majhi Mumbai face Tiigers of Kolkata in the Eliminator, where the loser bows out. The winner will meet the losing team of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 on Thursday, setting the stage for Friday’s Grand Finale.ISPL Season 3 Playoffs