HAVERFORD, Pa. – In a rare March opener, the Haverford College cricket team opened the 2026 campaign with energy and resolve at Cope Field, battling the visiting Bengals to the final overs before ultimately falling in a hard-fought contest.
After winning the toss, captain Ishpuneet Singh elected to bat and, alongside sophomore Agastya Singh, provided Haverford with a steady start. The opening pair combined for a composed 54-run partnership, setting an early tone with disciplined shot selection and smart running between the wickets.
Ishpuneet was first to depart, falling to a sharp return catch by the bowler. Nihaal Kochar followed soon after for four, but Agastya continued to anchor the innings with confidence and control. He found support in junior Sanil Kagawala, and the pair guided Haverford to 69/2 through 12.3 overs before momentum shifted on a miscommunication that resulted in Sanil being run out.
Despite the setback, Haverford remained poised with Agastya well set at the crease. However, the turning point came in the 16th over when he was dismissed for 47, narrowly missing a half-century and leaving the Fords at 93/4.
From there, the innings became a test of depth and determination. First-year Rasik Waikar, making his debut after transitioning from baseball, added five runs in a steady effort at No. 5. Additional contributions from Vivaan Hingad, Calder Rahn, Yadna Prasad, and Anish More helped Haverford push past the century mark, finishing at 102/9.
Defending a modest total, Haverford's bowlers responded with intensity. Kochar struck early, claiming the first wicket in the third over with Waikar securing the catch. Hingad followed with a well-disguised slower ball to leave the Bengals at 17/2 after six overs, putting early pressure on the chase.
The Bengals began to rebuild through the middle overs, but Haverford continued to create chances. A key breakthrough came when Ishpuneet induced a high catch that Waikar tracked down under pressure, sparking renewed energy across the field. Another wicket soon followed, with Kochar taking a clean catch to keep the Fords within striking distance.
Kagawala delivered a crucial maiden over, and Rahn impressed late, conceding just three runs in the 19th over to keep the outcome in doubt until the final moments.
Despite the sustained effort, the Bengals were able to edge across the line in the closing stages.
While the result went against them, Haverford's performance reflected a disciplined and resilient unit. Defending 102 into the final over underscored the team's belief, execution, and collective spirit, an encouraging sign as the Fords look ahead to the remainder of the season.
