Spartans Crush the Top Seed as Param Signs Off in Style

Today's post is dedicated to Param Heer, the Spartan captain who has led the team since 2022 at the age of 25 and officially passed on the reins to his successor today, with just three games left in the season and in preparation for the next. Under his leadership, the Spartans made a strong post-COVID comeback, clinching the championship title and advancing to the semi-finals the following year in the upper division. The team continued to build on that momentum, thanks in large part to what Param helped lay along with his vice-captain buddy, Sai, who now will lead the team.

The Spartans are currently ranked #5 out of 12 teams—and today, they made a powerful statement by defeating the top-ranked team by 81 runs. It was a commanding performance from start to finish, with several standout moments on the field. The highlight of the day was the long-awaited comeback of Param after multiple injuries, who was rightfully named Player of the Match. He played a pivotal innings, scoring 70 runs off 96 balls and remaining not out, anchoring the Spartans to victory.

The openers, Gaurava and Manoj, gave the Spartans a solid start, playing with intent and purpose. Manoj fell early while trying to accelerate with the score at 35, but Param stepped in and kept the momentum going, while Gaurava anchored the innings smartly from the other end. After the drinks break, Param and Gaurava picked up the pace, building a promising partnership. Unfortunately, Gaurava was run out on 44 (64 balls) in an unlucky dismissal just as the innings was gaining steam. With Param holding firm at one end, Dhruv, Wasil, and Sai looked to add quick runs. While Dhruv and Sai couldn't capitalize, Wasil delivered a blistering cameo, smashing 43 off just 16 balls. Param remained unbeaten and steered the Spartans to a strong finish of 217 runs at the end of the 40th over for five wickets.

Rahat, Param, Gaurava, Wasil

In bowling, Rishi set the tone early, claiming a wicket in the very first over, just as we've come to expect from him, and later taking three catches today. Opponent's batters settled in cautiously for a while, but Wasil struck right on cue when they tried to accelerate. Ahmad, stepping in as a substitute for Param, delivered a game-changing moment with a crucial run-out of their captain, swinging the momentum firmly in the Spartans' favor. Then came Rahat's second spell—a true knockout punch. He tore through the middle order, claiming four more wickets to finish with a five-wicket haul, shutting down any hopes of a comeback before the break. In the end, it was a one-sided affair, and the reason was apparent—our Spartans dominated in all three departments: bowling, batting, and fielding! What a start under the leadership, Sai—well done, Mr. Captain!