The Indian Veteran Premier League 2024 has undoubtedly turned out to be an event that’s grabbed eyeballs aplenty not only in the stadium but also around the country.
After nine days of nonstop power packed action across 17 grueling matches, the VVIP’s of Uttar Pradesh and the Champions from Mumbai have soared to reach the final,which unfolds this evening at The Shaheed Vijay Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida.
There is a sense of excitement all around as possibly the two best teams of the tournament go at it to accomplish the last leg of the mission and ascend to success in the form of the prized trophy.
Well, success in accomplishing missions often hinges on meticulous planning, unwavering determination, and adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges.
The think tanks of both the teams and more importantly the players would be well aware of this to conquer the last mile and bring the silverware home.
As the grand final takes shape in a few hours, lets look at the arsenal both the teams will bring to the fore:
VVIP Uttar Pradesh
VVIP Uttar Pradesh have been incisive in their performance so far winning four out of the five league games contested and rather convincingly overcoming Chhattisgarh Warriors in the second semi-final last night by 19 runs.
Batting first, they have consistently mounted totals in excess of 200, with Pawan Negi being their standout batter, leading the run scoring charts with a whopping 405 runs at an average of 81 and an envious strike rate of 187.
When it comes to their bowling, again they top the charts in the form of Christopher Mpofu who has been their standout quick surmounting 12 wickets and denting those crucial blows when it matters the most.
Having lost to Mumbai Champions in the group stage and that too rather convincingly by eight wickets, the final for Suresh Raina and his compatriots will undoubtedly be a grudge game with nothing else but a win sufficing.
Mumbai Champions
Not pitted as the favourites at the start of the tournament by some, Mumbai Champions have surely stemmed a surprise by reaching the finals.
The Virender Sehwag led outfit lost three out of their five league games contested albeit just scrapping through to the semifinal by the slightest of margins.
Having been beaten by Red Carpet Delhi in the league stage, they turned the table on them in the semifinal with a crushing 60 run win courtesy batting heroics from Phil Mustard and Abhishek Jhunjhunwala who scored 73 and 51 respectively.
Such was the magnitude of their win against the much-fanciedRed Carpet side, that they would undoubtedly be booming with confidence to overcome Uttar Pradesh in the final.
Well, why wouldn’t they, having already beaten VVIP in the league stage and boasting two quality overseas players in Peter Trego and Phil Mustard who have mounted 287 and 233 runs respectively.
Their bowling has also seen Amit Sanan and Peter Trego shine claiming eight and six wickets apiece thus far in the IVPL.
With both the teams looking to get one up over the other come the final, the game will surely be one for the ages and predicting a winner will certainly not be easy if you are a Mumbai Champions or VVIP Uttar Pradesh loyalist.
For a neutral though, a good game of cricket would definitely get him his money’s worth.
So done your sporting hats and light up all the fan fare as an enthralling evening awaits.
Image source– IVPL (Instagram)