WATCH: Unmukt Chand smashes his first fifty in Minor League Cricket

Unmukt Chand has finally begun his new chapter in the United States of America. Earlier, he announced his retirement from all cricket in order to play the sport for the USA. The former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain hogged the limelight after he hit his first fifty in Minor League Cricket.

Chand scored a pivotal fifty that steered Silicon Valley Strikers to a win in the T20 competition, in California. Unmukt Chand opened the face of the blade for Silicon Valley Strikers and made his presence count on the pitch as an opener.

Chand chipped in with 56 off 57 balls with the help of 3 fours and as many maximums. He maintained a strike rate of 98.25. His knock helped the team lay a rock-solid foundation while chasing the target of 132. Chand and Arsh Buch got off to a superb start.

The productive duo added a 73-run stand for the opening wicket. Silicon Valley lost two wickets in the run-chase but found some great support in the form of Unmukt Chand. The 28-year-old talented cricketer aced the run-chase with 7 balls to spare.

Unmukt Chand – Player of the Match

Unmukt Chand was adjudged the Man of the Match for his superb fifty. Earlier, Silicon Valley Strikers won the toss and decided to invite the opposition team to bat first. Golden State Grizzlies managed to score 131 after so many struggles in the batting unit.

Abhishek Paradkar was the standout performer for Silicon Valley strikers with the ball. He took as many as three wickets, giving away just 25 runs in his quota of 4 overs. Silicon Valley Strikers are the table toppers of the group.

They have won 6 games out of seven. Unmukt Chand played 4 matches where he garnered 77 runs at a strike rate of 84.62. Chand will be looking forward to scoring more runs and help the team. After his retirement in India, he penned a deal with Silicon Valley Strikers for the 2021 season.

He signed a multi-year agreement with Major League Cricket in order to uplift the growth and development of the game in the US. Besides playing the sport he truly loves, he will also be mentoring the next generation of American cricketers.

“I’m delighted to take the next step in my cricket career by being part of the long-term growth of American cricket and the launch of Major League Cricket. I’m excited to have the opportunity to play for the Strikers in Minor League Cricket.

And help grow the sport locally in the Bay Area. I have already seen the impressive passion for the game of cricket,” Chand added in a statement.