Playing at the Vasantnagar Ground on Sunday, Tarun Bharat batted first and scored 134 runs for eight wickets. Dinesh Borkar (33), Anil Kamble (30) and Atul Shivankar (18) played useful innings. Bhaskar’s bowlers conceded 24 extra runs. Sujan Masid and Shrikant Bhalerao took two wickets each, while Rahul claimed one wicket.
In reply, Dainik Bhaskar chased the target successfully, scoring 137 runs for four wickets in 16.2 overs. The team did not start well, but Rahul (52 runs off 32 balls, 8 fours, 1 six) and Gyaneshwar Pal (unbeaten 52 off 36 balls, 9 fours) shared a crucial 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket to guide the team to victory. Kamble took two wickets for Tarun Bharat.
Rahul was awarded the Player of the Match by Bhushan Shriwas, secretary of the Chess Association of Nagpur.
The first semifinal on Monday will be played between The Times of India and Sakal.