UTCA lads face defeat on debut

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, September 1

The UT Cricket Association (UTCA) lads suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) in their debut match of the 25th All India JP Atray Memorial Cricket Tournament at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium here today. 

Winning the toss, the visitors decided to bowl and restricted UTCA to 242 runs. UTCA opened with Shivam Bhambri and Manan Vohra. The duo raised a 24-run partnership as Bhambri (24 off 15 balls) was bowled by Pankaj Jaswal. Kanwal Abhinav then accounted for Uday Kaul (0) to reduce the side to 29/2. Jaswal struck again, dismissing skipper Vohra for 6 to reduce UTCA to 31/3. 

Gurkirat Singh then joined Gaurav Puri (5) but the latter was dismissed by Rishi Dhawan. After just nine runs were added to the total, Gurkirat (23 off 54 balls) also made his way back to the pavilion after playing a loose shot off Ayush Jamwal. With half the side sent back for 88 runs, UTCA got a major boost when the experienced Bipul Sharma and Preet Kamal raised a 94-run partnership for the sixth wicket. The partnership was broken by Kanwal Abhinay after he claimed Kamal (55 off 80 balls, with six boundaries and one six) as the team's total read 182. Bipul was then joined by Karanveer Singh (9) but the duo only raised a 20-run partnership to take the total to 202 before Jaswal claimed Karanveer's wicket. Bipul was the next to go after scoring 88 off 123 balls, with six boundaries and a six. 

Jagjit Singh (18) and Mandeep Singh (1) took UTCA to 242. Jaswal (3/75) was the pick of the bowlers, while Abhinay (2/46), Dhawan (1/48) and Jamwal (1/36) played crucial roles as well. 

In reply, Himachal lost their first wicket for four runs after Mandeep accounted for Ravi Thakur (0). However, a 100-run partnership between opener Priyanshu Khanduri (66 off 68 balls, with 12 boundaries) and Amit Kumar set the visitors on the winning path. Khanduri was run out by Gurkirat. Amit (87 off 110 balls, with nine boundaries and two sixes) and Nikhil Gangta (80 off 79 balls, with 11 boundaries and a six) scored unbeaten contributions to confirm an easy victory.  

ITC Delhi defeat Minerva 

Players XI ITC Delhi registered an eight-wicket win over Minerva CA in the second match of the day. Batting first, Minerva CA were bundled out for 132 runs. Vinay Chaudhary (34) and Gurnoor Brar (28) were the two main run-getters for the side. Ajay Ahlwat picked up a five-wicket haul, while Sohraaab Dhaliwal claimed two wickets. Manan Sharma and Hritik Shokeen claimed a wicket each. In reply, Kunwar Bidhuri (70 off 56 balls, with seven boundaries and five sixes) and Deepak Khatri (58 off 55 balls, studded with nine boundaries and two sixes) took ITC to a comfortable win. In the third match, Rann Star Club defeated Punjab Cricket Club by six wickets. Unmukt Chand scored an unbeaten 105 off 130 balls, with 10 boundaries and three sixes, to help Rann Star to victory. Pranshu (45) and Pawan (41) also scored The tournament was inaugurated by former international Yuvraj Singh.