Abhaydeep slams ton as CBA book final berth

Chandigarh, February 29

Abhaydeep scored a century off 133 balls as Cricket Bash Academy (CBA) recorded a six-wicket win over Cricket Hub, Patiala, to enter the final of the 2nd DP Azad Sports U-19 Invitational Trophy.

Batting first, the Patiala team posted 248 runs at the loss of nine wickets in 45 overs. The team lost their first openers at 16. However, southpaw Vihaan Malhotra and Ramneek Bansal stitched a wonderful partnership of 87 runs for the third wicket to record a comeback for the side. Malhotra scored 52 off 74 balls studded with seven boundaries, before going back to the pavilion. Ramneek continued his innings and contributed 81 of 93 balls, which included 10 boundaries.

A late cameo of 37 off 26 balls, studded with three sixes, by Mehakjot Brar helped the Patiala outfit score 248. Anmol Brar was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped 4/58, while Vyom Chugh and Chawla picked two wickets each.

In reply, opener Abhaydeep Singh scored unbeaten 100 off 133 balls, studded with 10 boundaries and two sixes. He was ably supported by Punjab U-16 captain Arjun Rajput, who scored 61 off 42 balls, which included six boundaries and three sixes. Opener Manveer Singh also scored a handy knock of 46 runs. Dilpreet Singh claimed two wickets for the bowling side.

Brar of the CBA won the best bowler award, while Bansal of the Patiala team won the best batter award. Abhaydeep was adjudged the Player of the Match.

In the first semifinal, DAV Academy, Sector 8, recorded a 47-run win over Champions Cricket Academy, Kharar. DAV skipper Jashan Beniwal won the toss and elected to bat. The side posted 222 runs in allotted 45 overs before losing all their wickets. In reply, the Kharar outfit bundled out at 175 in 38 overs. Kalta claimed the best bowler award, while Beniwal was adjudged the best batter. For his all-round performance, Rohit was picked the Player of the Match.