Arjun Azad’s ton goes in vain as Maharashtra pip Chandigarh by 144 runs

Chandigarh middle-order fell flat against Maharashtra’s attack as the local lads lost the Ranji Trophy match by 144 runs at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium here today.

After Shivam Bhambri (3) left early, Arjun Azad, alongside skipper Manan Vohra, held on to the crease and raised a 134-run stand. The partnership broke as Vohra (58 off 122 balls, with four boundaries) was caught by SS Nawale off RS Ghosh. The bowler strike again, as he accounted Raman Bishnoi (0) on the next ball. As the Chandigarh side struggled at 138/3, Ankit Kaushik (9) faced 28 balls before being caught by Ruturaj Gaikwad. The scoreboard read 160/4.

Raj Angad Bawa then joined Azad and the young duo pushed the innings further. They both raised a 195-ball 121-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Bawa was playing at 42 off 111 balls, with two boundaries and a six, when he was trapped before wickets by Jalaj Saxena. Bawa left the side at 281/5, followed by the wickets of Mayank Sidhu (8) and Jagjit Singh Sandhu (2). MG Choudhary claimed both wickets. The Maharashtra bowler then took Azad’s wicket, who posted 168 off 236 balls, studded with 17 boundaries and six sixes. After his departure, Ghosh accounted Vishu (0) and Saini (1), as the Chandigarh innings came to an end at 319. Nishunk Birla (5) remained unbeaten.

In their opening tie, the Chandigarh lads had gone down by an innings and 75 runs against Goa.

At Mullanpur, Punjab claimed first innings lead to bag maximum points from a draw against Kerala. In reply to Punjab’s first innings total of 436, which included 170-run contribution by debutant Harnoor Singh, the visitors posted 371. In their second innings, Punjab were playing at 15 for no loss when the stumps of the final day were drawn.

Ahammed Imran (86 off 178 balls, studded with 10 boundaries), Ankit Sharma (62 off 152 balls, with six boundaries and a six), Rohan Kunnummal (43) and Sachin Baby (36) scored for the visitors. Krish Bhagat (4/52) remained the leading wicket-taker for the bowling side. Ayush Goyal (2/91), Naman Dhir (2/88), Mayank Markande (1/50) and Ramandeep Singh (1/38) also struck for Punjab.