Harnoor, Rahul help Punjab gain 570-run lead against Rest of India

Riding high on centuries by Harnoor Pannu and Rahul Kumar, the Punjab U-23 Col CK Nayudu winning team put a strong foot ahead by claiming a massive 570-run lead against Rest of India at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium today.

Resuming from their second innings from the overnight score of 91/1, the hosts went on to score 430/4. Overnight unbeaten Harnoor came up with a brilliant 161 off 269 balls, with 21 boundaries, while Kumar posted unbeaten 117 off 158 balls, with 10 boundaries and six sixes.

Earlier, skipper Uday Saharan and Harnoor raised a 222-run partnership for the second wicket. Saharan (80 off 195 balls, with eight boundaries and one six) was caught by Macneil off Pragnesh Kanpillewar. After Salil Arora (11) Harnoor was then joined by Kumar and the duo raised a 67-run stand for the fourth wicket to push the total ahead. Harnoor, who was playing steadily, was trapped by Jay Malusare. However, Kumar in company of Ridham Satyawan pulled a stunning unbeaten 125-stand for the fifth wicket, before the skipper declared the innings. While Kumar completed his innings with a century, Satyawan contributed unbeaten 52 off 98 balls, with five boundaries.

With a 570-run lead, Punjab bowlers will have an edge on the last day of the match. This is the first time that the BCCI has introduced a tournament where the Col CK Nayudu U-23 Trophy winners are taking on the Rest of India team on the lines of Irani Trophy, where Ranji Trophy winners clash with the Rest of India squad.