Chandigarh smell victory

Tribune News Service

Mohali, May 20

Akshit Rana scored an unbeaten century as Chandigarh gained a massive 403-run lead against hosts Mohali on the penultimate day of their U-16 ML Markan Trophy final at the PCA stadium here today.   

At the close of the day’s play, Chandigarh were batting at 259/5 in their second essay after the hosts were bowled out for just 111 runs.   

After gaining a vital 144-run lead, the visitors had a poor start to their second innings as Harnoor Singh Pannu once again failed with the bat. The opener returned to hut after being trapped by Anshul Negi for two.   

Yuvraj Rai and Jashanjot Singh added a patient 47 for the second wicket before Negi claimed dismissed the former for 18 runs. 

With both the openers back in hut, the onus was on Jashanjot and in-coming Akshit Rana to steer Chandigarh to a decent position and the duo did not disappoint. 

The couple after biting some time in the middle began to pick the gaps and did not allow Mohali bowlers to settle down.   

The 79-run partnership between the two was finally broken when Jashanjot was trapped in front by Harshdeep Singh for a sedate 75 off 208 balls.

With three wickets down, in form Chandigarh skipper Yuvraj Chaudhary joined Rana and the two switched gears to add some quick runs to the total. 

Akshit scores a ton

Chaudhary, in particular, was aggressive in his approach as he hit 28 runs off 24 balls, including two boundaries and six, before falling prey to his impetuosity; Akashdeep Singh holding on to a good catch to provide Negi his third wicket.    

Suraj Patle did not last long as he was trapped in front by Harshdeep Singh for four.

Rana, though, extended his dominance from the other end as he marched towards his century with an unbeaten 43-run stand for the sixth wicket with Raj Angad Bawa.

Rana returned to the pavilion undefeated on 163-ball 100, while Bawa added 27 runs to the total during his unbeaten 50-ball stay in the middle.   

Earlier, resuming at 105/6, Mohali could add just five runs to their overnight total as  Patle and Jaskirat Singh Mehra polished off the tail in just 6.4 overs. 

Mehra claimed Anshul Negi (4) and Ayush Goel (0), while Patle trapped Harshdeep and Pranab before they could even open their account to bundle out Mohali for 111.

Patle was the pick of the bowlers for Chandigarh, claiming 4/34 while Chaudhary bagged 3/18.