Monika, Shibi guide PU to victory

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 20

Skipper Monika Pandey scored a half-century before left-arm spinner Kumari Shibi claimed three wickets to help Panjab University register a 48-run win over Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, and claim the third position in the North-Zone Inter-University Cricket Tournament at Maharshi Dayanand University grounds in Rohtak. 

Propelled by Monika’s 58-ball 69, Panjab University scored 154/5 in the allotted 20 overs after deciding to bat first. 

PU girls did not have a favourable start to their innings as they lost Divya in the first over. She was trapped in front by Prachi Chauhan. 

Monika and Ridhima pushed the total to 50 runs before the latter fell to a needless run out on 29. The skipper, though, continued her stroke-play and brought up her half-century before returning to the hut on 69. Her 58-ball stay in the middle was studded with seven boundaries. 

Shalini was the most successful bowler for HP University, claiming 2/14. 

Defending a competitive total, PU bowlers restricted HP University to 106/5 in 20 overs to eke out a 48-run victory. Shibi was the pick of the bowlers for PU, claiming 3/16. Bharti (1/13) and Harleen (1/15) took a wicket each.

Preksha (31) and Shalini (27) made useful contributions to the chase, but could not take their side to victory.

Brief scores 

Panjab University: 154/5 in 20 overs (Monika Pandey 69*, Ridhima Aggarwal 29; Shalini 2/24) beat Himachal Pradesh University: 106/5 in 20 overs (Preksha 31, Shalini 27; Kumari Shibi 3/16) by 48 runs