Seattle Thunderbolts Outclass Golden State Grizzlies with 29-Run Victory
Seattle Thunderbolts delivered a dominant performance to defeat Golden State Grizzlies by 29 runs in a high-stakes T20 clash at Woodley Park on Sept. 16th. Batting first, Seattle posted a formidable total of 179/3, led by an outstanding knock from Man of the Match Ruben Clinton, who top-scored with 92 off 60 balls.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Seattle got off to a solid start, with Clinton anchoring the innings with his powerful stroke play. Clinton’s innings was studded with 9 boundaries and 4 sixes, as he built key partnerships with Ian Chauhan (33 off 22) and Sujit Nayak (28* off 20). Clinton’s dismissal in the 18th over brought an end to his dazzling innings, but by then, Seattle had already laid the foundation for a competitive total. Nayak and Rishab Mohan (10* off 8) kept the momentum going, ensuring the Thunderbolts reached 179/3 at the end of 20 overs, with a run rate of 8.95.
The Golden State Grizzlies’ bowling attack struggled to make an impact, with only Adnesh Tondale (4-0-31-1), Dev Thadani (4-0-31-1), and Sohan Bhat (3-0-28-1) managing to claim wickets. Despite their efforts, the Grizzlies couldn’t contain Seattle’s batting power.
Chasing 180, the Golden State Grizzlies got off to a shaky start, losing opener Tarun Adada for a duck in the second over. However, Rahul Jariwala played a lone hand for his team, scoring a brilliant 90 off 56 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. Jariwala looked in fine form as he took on the Seattle bowlers, but lacked support from the other end.
Kranthi Kumar (26 off 29) tried to hold the innings together, but after his dismissal in the 12th over, the Grizzlies’ middle order crumbled. Sujit Nayak (1/26) and Cinci Siegertsz (3/19) kept the pressure on, with Siegertsz’s tight bowling spell proving crucial. The Grizzlies lost key wickets in quick succession, including Sahil Garg (8 off 11) and Mohit Nataraj (0), leaving Jariwala to battle alone. He eventually fell in the 19th over, caught by Shivam Sharma off Atif Attarwala (1/29), and with his dismissal, the Grizzlies’ hopes of a comeback faded.
Despite a late cameo from Sohan Bhat (17 off 14), the Grizzlies could only manage 150/7 in their 20 overs, falling short by 29 runs. Seattle’s bowlers, particularly Siegertsz, Attarwala, and Mansingh (2/33), executed their plans effectively, keeping the Grizzlies’ run rate in check.
Ruben Clinton’s commanding innings of 92, combined with Seattle Thunderbolts’ disciplined bowling performance, was the key to their 29-run victory. Clinton’s contributions with the bat set the tone for the match, earning him the Man of the Match award.
