Chandigarh lads gain lead over Punjab in Ranji Trophy match

After a shaky start, bowlers helped hosts Chandigarh stage a comeback against Punjab during their Ranji Trophy match at Sector 16 Cricket Stadium today.

Resuming from overnight total of 71/3, Punjab were bowled out for 142. In their second innings, the local team was at 168/7 at stumps, extending their lead to 199.

The day belonged to Chandigarh spinners Nishunk Birla (4/18) and Vishu (3/15). Jagjit Singh Sandhu (2/37) and Raj Angad Bawa (1/35) also claimed wickets.

Chasing Chandigarh’s first innings total of 173, Punjab lost three quick wickets yesterday. Overnight unbeaten, Jashanpreet Singh and Ayush Goyal failed to carry the innings, as Goyal (4) fell prey to Bawa. Sandhu accounted Jashanpreet (12) to reduce the visitors to 89/5. Thereafter, Anmol Malhotra and Salil Arora tried their best to push the total. The duo gathered 44 runs off 111 balls, but couldn’t control the pressure of Birla.

Arora (25 off 55 balls) was the first victim of Birla, followed by Malhotra (33 off 82 balls). As the duo left the crease at 133/7, Birla ensured proper damage to the side by claiming Abhinav Sharma (0) and Mayank Markande (0). Vishu trapped Harpreet Brar (3) to end Punjab’s innings at 142. Having 31-run lead, Chandigarh lost openers Shivam Bhambri (1) and Arjun Azad (0) to Goyal. However, Manan Vohra (32) and Nikhil Thakur (32) held the innings with a 40-run stand.

Brar claimed both the batters to reduce the hosts at 91/4. The Chandigarh innings later witnessed major contributions by Ankit Kaushik (38) and Gaurav Puri (31). While Markande accounted Kaushik, Brar bowled out Puri. Bawa (19) and Vishu (12) were on the crease as the city lads reached 168/7 at stumps.