Nikhil’s ton helps Ludhiana gain commanding position

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 20

A fine century by Talvinder Singh (112) helped Chandigarh to post 315 runs against Amritsar, on the opening day of Punjab Inter-District U-23 Cricket Championship, at Gandhi Grounds in Amritsar, today. 

After winning the toss, Chandigarh openers Shivam Bhambri and Arjit Pannu failed to get the desired the start. The side lost their first wicket on the total of 11, when Pannu (6) was caught by Salil Arora off Varun Pal. His departure introduced Jasnoor Singh but the partnership only stayed on for 24 runs as Bhambri 925 off 32 balls including five boundaries) was caught by Abhishek off Sumit Sharma. Thereafter, Jasnoor along with Talvinder Singh stabled the innings and put the side on a commanding front. The duo raised 181 runs for the third wicket. While Talvinder completed his century, Jasnoor (38 off 139 balls including three boundaries) was caught by Rohit Kumar off Abhinav Sharma. Talvinder soon followed the suit after completing 112 off 159 balls including 17 boundaries and a six. He was caught by Abhishek off Pal, just when Chandigarh touched 200-run mark. Next in, Jagmeet Singh Bhullar and Arpit Pannu ended the day in style with another fruitful unbeaten partnership of 115 runs. Jagmeet Bhullar (80 off 113 balls including 11 boundaries and a six) and Arpit Pannu (42 off 85 balls including two boundaries) remain unbeaten to close the day at 315/4. For Amritsar, pal claimed 2/58 while Abhinav Sharma (1/55) and Sumit Sharma (1/31) claimed wickets. while Gagandeep (7) left unbeaten.

Striking knock  

Playing at Government College, Hoshiarpur, riding high on Nikhil Choudhary's 143-run inning visitors Ludhiana posted a mammoth total of 382 runs before getting all-out in 82 overs. The opening partnership between Jaish Jain and Jaskaran gathered 46 runs before Jaskaran (21 off 33 balls) was claimed by Ashish Ghai. The pacer was again in thick of action after he claimed Jain (32 off 58 balls) and Kashish Paneja (45 off 96 balls including four boundaries and a six). Thereafter Choudhary came to the rescue and posted a stunning 143 off 148 balls including 10 boundaries and three sixes. He was ably supported by Sandeep Singh (38), Sandeep Singh (38), Harnoor Singh (19) and Kabir Grewal (18). Ludhiana lost all their wickets on 382 runs to end their day. Karan Chawla (4/104) and Ashish Ghai (4/117) were the pick of the Hoshiarpur team while Paramjot Singh claimed 2/32.