Town Club clinch P. Sen Memorial Invitational title with five-wicket win over East Bengal

Town Club were crowned champions of the P. Sen Memorial Invitational Tournament after chasing down a revised target to beat East Bengal Club by five wickets in a compelling final at JU, 2nd Campus Ground in Kolkata on Wednesday.

East Bengal posted a formidable 316 for 9 from their 50 overs, powered by a brilliant century from Sudip Kumar Gharami. Gharami's 106 off 97 balls anchored the innings, while Writtick Chatterjee's brisk 54 off 38 provided valuable middle-order impetus.

Debopratim Halder led the Town Club bowling with an excellent 3 for 39 in his six overs; Sujit Kumar Yadav also chipped in with 2 for 65 in his nine overs.

Rain interruptions reduced the match to 42 overs per side under the VJD method, setting Town Club a revised target of 260. The visitors reached 263 for 5 in 40.2 overs to secure the title. Aishik Patel finished unbeaten on 75 off 58 balls, guiding the chase with composure, while Suprodip Debnath's 68 (66) and Ankur Paul's 59 (51) laid the platform with vital partnerships. From the East Bengal attack, Kanishk Seth returned 2 for 28 in four overs and Manisankar Murasingh picked up 1 for 47 in six.

Town Club's balanced batting display and timely partnerships proved decisive in a final that had early drama and a late twist due to the reduction in overs. Patel's unbeaten effort under pressure and Debnath and Paul's contributions in the middle order earned Town Club the trophy and a memorable day in Salt Lake.

Brief Scorecard

East Bengal Club 316/9 (50 overs). Top scores: Sudip Kumar Gharami 106 (97), Writtick Chatterjee 54 (38). Best bowling: Debopratim Halder 3-39 (6), Sujit Kumar Yadav 2-65 (9).

Town Club 263/5 (40.2 overs; chase reduced to 42 overs; target 260). Top scores: Aishik Patel 75* (58), Suprodip Debnath 68 (66), Ankur Paul 59 (51). Best bowling: Kanishk Seth 2-28 (4), Manisankar Murasingh 1-47 (6).

Result: Town Club won by 5 wickets (VJD-adjusted, match reduced to 42 overs)