Citi Bank, ICICI Bank Storm Into RBI Shield Final with Commanding Wins Rahul Soni, Puneet Gamnani shine for Citi Bank ICICI Bank crush Yes Bank in low-scoring semi-final Citi Bank dominate RBI ‘B’ to book final berth

 

Citi Bank, ICICI Bank Storm Into RBI Shield Final with Commanding Wins

Rahul Soni, Puneet Gamnani shine for Citi Bank

ICICI Bank crush Yes Bank in low-scoring semi-final

Citi Bank dominate RBI ‘B’ to book final berth

 

Mumbai: Citi Bank produced a polished all-round performance to outplay Reserve Bank of India ‘B’ by 7 wickets and storm into the final of the 64th Sir Benegal Rama Rau RBI Shield Cricket Tournament 2026, organised by RBI under the aegis of the MCA and played at the Oval Maidan. The impressive bowling spell from off-spinner Alok Shastri, combined with superb batting displays from Rahul Soni and Puneet Gamnani, powered Citi Bank to a convincing victory in the Plate Division semi-final.

 

Alok Shastri’s spin spell restricts RBI

Opting to bat first, RBI ‘B’ failed to build substantial partnerships despite useful contributions from their middle-order batters. Ketan Dangar scored 28 runs, while Ankush Andhare added 26 runs and Dinesh Kumar contributed 23 runs. Opener Vishwas Krishna chipped in with 21 runs, but Citi Bank bowlers kept the pressure firmly in control throughout the innings.

The standout performer with the ball was Alok Shastri, who delivered a brilliant spell of 4 wickets for 29 runs, while Omkar Thorat provided excellent support claiming 2 wickets for 25 runs as RBI ‘B’ were restricted to 136 for 9 in 20 overs.

 

Rahul Soni and Puneet Gamnani seal easy chase

Chasing a moderate target, Citi Bank batters displayed complete control and composure. Opener Rahul Soni smashed a fluent 60 runs off 41 balls, including 8 boundaries, while Puneet Gamnani anchored the chase with a calm unbeaten 57 runs off 50 balls, studded with 7 fours.

 

The duo laid a solid foundation before Mihir Gharat remained unbeaten on 21 runs to guide Citi Bank comfortably to 140 for 3 in 18.2 overs, securing a well-deserved place in the final.

 

ICICI Bank crush Yes Bank by 8 wickets

In the second semi-final, ICICI Bank delivered a dominant performance to defeat Yes Bank by 8 wickets in a one-sided low-scoring encounter. Batting first, Yes Bank struggled against disciplined bowling and were bundled out for just 85 runs in 18 overs.

 

Vipin Rai top-scored with 28 runs, while Harshal Khedekar contributed 23 runs. ICICI Bank bowlers were outstanding, led by Pratamesh Hanjankar, who claimed 3 wickets for 14 runs. Nilesh Korpe picked up 2 wickets for 5 runs, while Shahnawaz Shaikh finished with 2 wickets for 12 runs.

 

Nikhil Khare, Rohan Kalbor finish in style

ICICI Bank chased the modest target in emphatic fashion, reaching 89 for 2 in just 8.4 overs. Nikhil Khare played an aggressive knock of 47 runs, while Rohan Kalbor added a brisk 30 runs to ensure a comfortable victory and seal their team’s entry into the final.

 

Final showdown awaits

With both teams displaying excellent form, Citi Bank and ICICI Bank are now set for an exciting title clash in the final scheduled to be played on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

 

Brief Scores (Semi-finals)

Reserve Bank of India ‘B’ – 136 for 9 in 20 overs (Ketan Dangar 28, Ankush Andhare 26, Dinesh Kumar 23, Vishwas Krishna 21; Alok Shastri 4/29, Omkar Thorat 2/25) lost to Citi Bank – 140 for 3 in 18.2 overs (Rahul Soni 60 off 41 balls, 8x4; Puneet Gamnani 57 off 50 balls, 7x4; Mihir Gharat 21**). Result: Citi Bank won by 7 wickets.

 

Yes Bank – 85 all out in 18 overs (Vipin Rai 28, Harshal Khedekar 23; Pratamesh Hanjankar 3/14, Nilesh Korpe 2/5, Shahnawaz Shaikh 2/12) lost to ICICI Bank – 89 for 2 in 8.4 overs (Nikhil Khare 47, Rohan Kalbor 30). Result: ICICI Bank won by 8 wickets.