Batsmen shine, Patiala win U-23 c’ship

Tribune News Service

Mohali, June 24

A fine batting performance by Patiala helped the side win the Punjab Inter-District U-23 Cricket Championship at PCA Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing Mohali’s first innings’ total of 306, Patiala ended the day with 314/7 in 95 overs to win the title. Resuming on their overnight total of 24/0, Patiala lost their first wicket at 63 runs in the 22nd over. Opener Mandeep Inder Singh Bawa was the first to go after scoring 31 runs off 68 balls, studded with five boundaries.

Sahil Sharma then joined Sanvir Singh and the duo put up a 101-run partnership for the second wicket. Jass Inder accounted for Sanvir (88). Former India U-19 batsman Anmolpreet Singh was trapped in front by left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar for 12 off 23 balls, with two boundaries. Akul Pandove was snapped up by wicket-keeper Harsrup off Jass Inder for three, while Sagar Kumar was caught by Yadav off Brar for 12 to reduce Patiala to 207/5 in 64 overs.

Patiala were still trailing by 100 runs and Mohali needed five wickets for an outright win. 

Jass Inder scalped Sahil Sharma (76) to leave Patiala struggling at 237/6 in 72.2 overs. Anmol Malhotra and Ekjot Singh Thind helped the side go past 300-run mark.

But Jass Inder struck again to pocket Thind’s wicket for 33 off 61 balls. 

Needing two runs for the first innings’ lead, Mayank Markande joined Anmol Malhotra and the duo pushed the total to 314/7 in 95 overs. Malhotra scored 54 off 91 balls, with two boundaries and a six. 

Jass Inder took a five-wicket haul for 131, while Harpreet Brar took two wickets.The Patiala boys were awarded Rs 1.5 lakhs, while the Mohali team got a cash prize of Rs 75,000.  Punjab are the reigning National Champions Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy (U-23).