Col CK Nayudu Trophy: Krish claims six as Punjab gain commanding position
Mohali, February 11
Pacer Krish Bhagat claimed six wickets as Punjab bundled out Chandigarh for 152 during the opening day of a Col CK Nayudu Trophy match, at Maharaja Yadvindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur. In reply, Punjab were 95/3 at the drawn of the stumps.
Punjab skipper Salil Arora won the toss and opted to field. Bhagat swung into action straight away by trapping opener Arnav Bansal (12) in front of the wickets. Skipper Arjun Azad (8) was Bhagat’s second victim, as he left the side at 39/2.
Thereafter, Nehal Pajni and Harnoor Singh raised a 62-run partnership for the third wicket with the hope of recovering from early losses. However, Sukhdeep Bajwas claimed Harnoor (37 off 83 balls, with seven boundaries) to leave Chandigarh struggle at 101/3. The flood gates opened for Chandigarh, as the side lost seven wickets within 20 overs and for just 51 runs.
Emanjot Singh Chahal accounted Akshit Rana (1) and Nipun Sharda (0), while Bhagat picked Chirag Dhindsa (0), Nishunk Birla (1), Sarthak Sharan (7) and the lone-main contributor, Pajni (73 off 79 balls, with 12 boundaries and one six) to complete his six-wicket haul. Chahal picked his third victim with trapping Chiraz (1).
In reply, Punjab batters too had a shaky start as the hosts were down to 41/3. Sarthak Sharan gave the first breakthrough to his side by claiming Shivein Rakheja (2), while Chiraz claimed the other opener Satyam (19).
Mohammed Ashad picked Jaskaranvir Singh Paul before the batsman could open his account.
Pukhraj Mann and skipper Arora, however, come up with a brilliant 54-run unbeaten stand to avoid any further loss. Mann remained unbeaten at 51 off 80 balls, with eight boundaries and one six, while Arora at 18 off 40 balls, with two boundaries.
