Double ton by Ishan helps Chandigarh

Our Sports Correspondent

Ludhiana, May 26

Double ton (204 runs) by Ishan Goyal and an unbeaten 121 runs by Lakshya Rakhra helped Chandigarh in reaching a comfortable position against Ludhiana on the opening day of the two-day match in the Punjab State Inter-District Cricket Tournament (U-19) for Dhruv Pandove Trophy at the Jathedar Santokh Singh Margind Sports Stadium Sewa Committee, Dulay village, near here, on Saturday.

Chandigarh skipper Ayush Gautam won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision was a wise one, as the visitors faced a little challenge from bowlers. They did not utilise their full quota of 95 overs and declared their first innings at 373 runs after losing just three wickets in 89 overs.

The highlight of their innings was a fine batting display by opener Ishan Goyal and Lakshya. Ishan faced 263 balls and made 204 runs in 312 minutes with the help of 28 boundaries, while Lakshya remained unconquered on 121 runs, which came off 190 deliveries, including nine hits over the ropes.

For Ludhiana, Kanishk, Jaish Jain and Gurmehar scalped one victim each after conceding 61, 63 and 98 runs, respectively.

Ludhiana began their reply on a shaky note with opener Vikas Prashar losing his wicket without opening his account. The hosts were 37 for one after eight overs at the draw of stumps. Arjun Puri and Manjot Singh were at the crease with 19 and 17 runs, respectively, against their names.

The lone wicket that fell was captured by Uday Bhagwan, who bowled two overs, gave away 20 runs and claimed a wicket.