Col CK Nayudu Trophy: Punjab claim 119-run lead against Chandigarh lads

Mohali, February 12

A timely 154-run partnership by Salil Arora and Pukhraj Mann helped Punjab to gain a massive 119-run lead over Chandigarh during the second day of Col CK Nayudu Trophy match, at Maharaja Yadvindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.

Punjab lads posted 317, while chasing Chandigarh’s first innings total of 152. Once trailing at 95/3, the Punjab side got a major push as skipper Arora and Mann provided much needed stability to the innings.

While Arora scored 86 off 188 balls, with 11 boundaries and one six, Maan scored 96 off 148 balls, with 13 boundaries and two sixes.

The duo was stopped by Chiraz as he accounted Mann on the team’s total of 195. Arora then raised a 40-run partnership for the next wicket with Abhay Choudhary before getting trapped by Sarthak Sharan in front of the wickets.

Choudhary (45 off 90 balls, with five boundaries) remained the main batter to push Punjab’s total to 317. Among tail enders, Emanjot Singh Chahal (28) gave Chandigarh bowlers a tough time to end Punjab innings. Chiraz remained the pick of the bowlers as he claimed 3/53, along with Sharan (3/84). Nishunk Birla claimed two, while Mohammed Ashad and Chirag Dhindsa claimed one wicket each.

In their second innings, Chandigarh lads were 46/1 at the end of the second day’s play. Arnav Bansal (3) was the only batter out, while Arjun Azad (26) and Harnoor Singh (15) were at the crease.