First innings lead earns city most points at Vijay Merchant Trophy

An overall performance by Akul Bhanot helped Chandigarh bag maximum points on the basis of first innings lead against Chhattisgarh during the Vijay Merchant Trophy played at Shimoga (Karnataka).

Wheelchair cricket meet from tomorrow

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In reply to Chandigarh’s 250 runs, Chhattisgarh were bundled out at 174. Later, Chandigarh declared their second innings at 181/9. In reply, a four-run last wicket partnership off 35 balls between Yathartha Chauhan and Shreya Agarwal saved the day for Chhattisgarh as the team managed to post 151/9 runs when the stumps were drawn.

In the first innings, Bhanot scored 68 off 105 balls, with 10 boundaries and a six followed by a 64-run off 99 balls (four boundaries and four sixes) in the second innings. While defending the target, he also claimed two wickets.

Earlier, the Chhattisgarh team collapsed at 174, giving Chandigarh a lead of 76 runs. Chandigarh declared their innings after scoring 181/9 to post a target of 258. Bhanot’s innings was well supported by Abhay Gulia (51 off 86 balls, with 11 boundaries). Vedant Jain claimed four wickets for the bowling side, and Yatharth Chouhan picked two.

In the second innings, Chandigarh’s Parth (3/36) demolished Chhattisgarh’ top order — Aditya Verma (0), captain Amay More (5) and Aditya Guha (0) — to reduce the side to 7/3. Kabir dismissed Manas Mulchandani to further damage Chhattisgarh as the scoreboard read 12/4. Thereafter, Vedansh Khedia raised two partnerships with Aryan Singh and with Gunwant Awasthi. The match turned in favour of Chandigarh, as Aryan Singh (23) and Gunwant Awasthi (34) went back to the pavilion. Bhanot then accounted Rudra Shukla, and Ranvir Ahuja claimed Khedia (47 off 150 balls). Bhanot later claimed Vedant Jain’s wicket to get the match in Chandigarh’s favour. But Chauhan and Agarwal delayed the win for Chandigarh.