In a poignant farewell match that could only be described as a cricketing fairytale, Manpreet Singh bid goodbye to the Gladiator Kings with a performance that will be etched in the records of the team’s history. Playing his final game for the Kings at the PKVR Park, Singh’s all-round prowess earned him the Player of the Match award, a fitting tribute to a player who has been a cornerstone of the team’s success.

The day began with Gladiator Captain Qaisar Khan’s decision to bat first, a move that introduced a new opening duo to the crease. Atif Hussain and Khan himself stepped up, but the partnership was short-lived as Khan fell early. Hussain, however, managed a respectable 24 off 22 balls before succumbing to Suken’s bowling. Ali Ghazi’s brief stint at the crease yielded only a single run, setting the stage for Manpreet Singh’s heroics.

Singh, aware of the gravity of the occasion, unleashed a batting masterclass, scoring an unbeaten 65 that included three sixes and a four. His aggressive batting took the Avengers’ bowlers by storm, propelling the Kings towards a formidable total. Karandeep and Shahwaiz Khan lent valuable support, contributing 18 and 29 runs, respectively.

The Kings’ innings concluded at 189, a total bolstered by 23 extras, setting a challenging target for the Avengers, who have struggled this season in Division 1 without a single win to their name. The Avengers’ bowling lineup, featuring Supal Jogani, Ankit, Suken, and Viral Gandhi, each claimed two wickets, but it was not enough to dampen the Kings’ spirits.

The Avengers’ response was calamitous from the outset, losing two wickets to Atif Hussain in the very first over. Bhavik Bhayani attempted to anchor the innings, but wickets continued to tumble at the other end. Manpreet Singh’s introduction into the attack further compounded the Avengers’ woes, reducing them to 48 for 6 after 10 overs. From that point, the match was firmly in the Kings’ grasp, with the Avengers ultimately folding for a mere 89 runs, handing the Kings a resounding 100-run victory.

Hussain’s bowling was commendable, but it was Singh’s 3 for 12 that truly shone, capping off his tenure with the Kings in memorable fashion. His all-round excellence not only secured the win but also earned him the accolades he so richly deserved.

As the Avengers contemplate their future, potentially facing relegation to Division 2, the Gladiator Kings will cherish the legacy left by Manpreet Singh—a legacy of determination, skill, and an unwavering commitment to his team. His departure may be bittersweet, but his final match performance will remain a testament to his invaluable contribution to the Kings and the sport of cricket.