Kutchi Tigers’ Pindoria joins class of double centurions
Pindoria celebrates his quickfire 213 not out at Budo last Sunday. PHOTO BY DARREN ALLAN KYEYUNE
What you need to know:
The historic knock could not have come from anyone better than Pindoria who has also played against India Test stars like Jadeja.
Ordinarily, any team would celebrate a victory more than an individual’s performance. But a rare or magical display would bring the reverse to the fore.
Such was the occurrence as Kutchi Tigers’ Nanji Pindoria scored a ruthless double century to help his side defeat Mwiri by 296 runs in the men’s Division Two National 50-Over League Super Five match at King’s College Budo Oval on August 24.
The left-hand opening batsman struck an unbeaten double ton of 213 runs off just 145 balls as Tigers won their third match to move to second on the log with 18 points.
He joins the elite batting class of six others who have notched 200 or more runs in an innings on the local scene since 1960.
“It was coming off really nicely. I was in good nick,” the 35-year-old told SCORE earlier this week. He now tops the Division Two batting charts with 415 runs from eight innings.
Pindoria emulated his country mate Himanshu Jadav who became the first batsman to cross 250 in Uganda when he belted a sturdy 262 for Premier Cricket Club in 1993.
“I kept calm and patient with every ball. I did not expect it but I just wanted my team to win,” said Pindoria, who has played with India’s Test cricket stars Cheteshwar Pujara, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja back home before at the District/State Level.
Pindoria’s innings was littered with 23 boundaries and nine sixes.
Each of his celebrations as he crossed the 50, 100, 150 and 200-run mark was given a standing ovation from his teammates and rivals alike.
His heroics were supplemented with Meghji Kara’s steady 86-ball 82 that comprised 12 fours as Tigers set 362 for 5. Mwiri, who punched below their weight, were 66 all out.
