Chandigarh gain 3 points

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 30

Speedster Shresth Nirmohi picked up a career-best seven-wicket haul to help Chandigarh secure three points against Pondicherry after their Ranji Trophy Plate Group match at the Sector 16 stadium ended in a draw.

Nirmohi returned with figures of 7/46 as Pondicherry were bowled out for 113, in reply to Chandigarh’s first innings total of 134.

Chandigarh, in their second essay, were batting on 102/3 at the close of final day’s play, with Raman Bishnoi (5) and Uday Kaul (1) at the crease.

After two days of interruption, the play finally resumed post lunch today and Pondicherry, who were struggling on 37/4 at the close of play on Day 1, could only

add 16 runs to their total before Nirmohi picked up his first wicket of the day — dismissing Vikneshwaran Marimuthu on 5.

On the very next ball, the medium pacer accounted for Fabid Ahmed to reduce the visitors to 53/6.

Vinay Kumar and Dogra tried to dig the visitors out of trouble but their effort was cut short by Nirmohi, who got rid of the Kumar to bring an end to the 34-run partnership between the two. Dogra did not last long and fell to Nirmohi on 49.

Jagjit Singh Sandhu then wrapped up the tail to restrict the visitors to 113.

Chandigarh, had a poor beginning to their second innings, loosing opener Shivam Bhambri for just 2 runs, but Arslan Khan and skipper Manan Vohra stedied the innings with an 87-run partnership.

The two were separated when Khan fell to Rohit Damodaran on 38. Vohra made 52 runs before he became the second victim of the off-spinner.

Chandigarh with 29 points from seven matches are placed third in the Plate Group, while Pondicherry are five points ahead in second place. Goa leads the table with 37 points.

Ranji trophy

Chandigarh 134 and 102/3 (Manan Vohra 52, Arslan Khan 38; Rohit Damodaran 2/9, Vinay Kumar 1/34) drew with Pondicherry 113 all out (Paras Dogra 49, S Karthik 21; Shresth Nirmohi 7/46, Jagit Singh Sandhu 3/65)