Punjab beat Mumbai to win U-23 CK Nayudu Trophy

Punjab under-23 team defeated Mumbai on the basis of their first innings lead to win the CK Nayudu Trophy played at the Maharaja Yadavindra PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh, today.

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In a rain-affected match, the hosts were playing at 241/6 in reply to Mumbai’s 237 at the draw of the final day’s stumps. This is the team’s second U-23 title after Men’s U23 State A Trophy they won last month by defeating Gujarat by 56 runs. Facing a formidable Mumbai side,

Punjab’s captain Uday Saharan led from the front with an inspiring innings, guiding the team to a strong position. Former Test cricketer VRV Singh, who is head coach of the team, said, “This victory is a testament to our hard work and team spirit. Beating a strong side like Mumbai is a massive achievement, and I am so proud of the boys”. Punjab beat Uttar Pradesh to reach the final. In their first-innings total of 655 runs, opener Jaskaranvir Singh Paul score a double century. “Heartiest congratulations to Team Punjab on their outstanding triumph in the prestigious CK Nayudu Trophy final. This victory is a testament to the relentless hard work, dedication and perseverance of our players, coaches and support staff,” said Dilsher Khanna, PCA secretary.

In reply to the visitors’ 237 in the final, Punjab opener Harnoor Singh posted unbeaten 85 off 217 balls, with seven boundaries and one six. Emanjot Singh Chahal (38), Punjab skipper Saharan (33) and Salil Arora (28) were the other main run scorers, as the hosts posted 241/6 to pull off a draw.

After a shaky start, Mumbai posted 237 against the hosts, before getting all-out in 79 overs. After winning the toss, Mumbai skipper Vedant Murkar opted to bat first. The visitors opened their innings with Nutan and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Both batters were back to the team early. Thereafter, Himanshu Singh and Manan Bhatt provided some relief by raising a 30-run partnership for the third wicket. However, Bhatt (21 off 29 balls, with four boundaries) fell prey to Goyal. Pragnesh Kanpillewar (24 off 74 balls, with three boundaries) kept the innings stable for some time with Himanshu. The duo raised a 52-run partnership, before Kanpillewar was caught by H Mayank Gupta off Emanjot Singh Chahal. Himanshu also followed suit, as Chahal struck again. Himanshu (66 off 151 balls, studded with 11 boundries) left the crease, as the visitors struggle at 129/5.

Aayush Zimare 31 off 101 balls, with three boundaries) and Ayush Sachin Vartak (77 off 68 balls, with 10 boundaries and three sixes) raised a 77-run partnership to help the side achieve a respectable total. Goyal claimed Zimare, while Aryaman Dhaliwal took Vartak. The skipper only added one run, while Dhanit Raut (4) and Atharva (9) also contributed a little to the total. Goyal returned with 4/60, while Chahal (3/69) remained the other main wicketkeeper for the side. Dhaliwal (2/50) and Bhagat (1/44) also shared wickets.