Dehradun: After the Rishikesh Falcons opted to bowl first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, skipper Kunal Chandela's blazing knock powered the Haridwar Elmas to a formidable 193/3.

Chandela, who is the current leading run-scorer in the tournament, continued his imperious touch, smashing 83 off 53 balls with seven fours and five sixes in a captain's knock that left the Falcons bowlers searching for answers. He found an able partner in Daksh Awana, who made a patient 30 from 27 deliveries as the openers put on 67 before the first wicket fell.

Just when Rishikesh thought they had a breakthrough, Neeraj Rathour walked in and took the attack to them with a quickfire 23 off 11 balls, laced with a couple of towering sixes. Saurav Chauhan kept the momentum going in the death overs, remaining unbeaten on 30 from 17 balls with some clean hitting.

The Falcons’ Jagmohan Nagarkoti tried his best, picking up three wickets, but his four overs cost 47 runs.

Chasing a daunting target, the Rishikesh Falcons displayed remarkable composure under pressure. Opener Allen Chetan set the tone with an explosive innings, laying a strong foundation for the chase. He was the star batter, top-scoring with an attacking 71 off just 28 balls. His stellar show was studded with two fours and three sixes.

Together with his partner Abhyuday, Chetan stitched a match-defining 81-run stand inside the Powerplay, giving the Falcons the perfect start.

Poorvansh Dhruv then chipped in with a valuable 33 off 26 balls, before skipper Akhil Singh Rawat (49* off 36) and Suchith J (11*off 10) held their nerve in the closing stages. Their unbeaten partnership guided the Falcons home with three balls to spare.

The Player of the Match was awarded to Allen Chetan for his blazing performance of 71 runs off just 28 deliveries.