Punjab secure historic win over Rest of India
Riding high on an all-round performance, Punjab lads accomplished yet another feat by defeating the Rest of India (ROI) on the basis of their first innings lead at the IS Bindra Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium.
It was for the first time that the BCCI had introduced a tournament where the Col CK Nayudu U-23 Trophy winners (Punjab) faced the ROI team on the lines of Irani Trophy where Ranji Trophy winners clash with the ROI.
In reply to Punjab’s first innings total of 255, the ROI were bowled out for 115 in their first innings. A 140-run lead by the hosts was further solidified by Harnoor Pannu (161) and Rahul Kumar (125) as Punjab posted 530/7. On the fourth and last day of the play, ROI were 96/1 at stumps. Besides Pannu and Kumar, Ritham Satyavan’s brilliant 157 further added to Punjab’s total, underlining his ability to perform under pressure. Contributions from Krish Bhagat (62) and Salil Arora (60) provided crucial stability to Punjab’s innings, ensuring a formidable team performance that played a decisive role in the outcome of the match.
PCA Secretary Dilsher Khanna extended congratulations to the team, coaches and support staff for their efforts. “It is a moment of immense pride for Punjab cricket. Winning the Col CK Nayudu Trophy was an outstanding achievement and to follow it up with a commanding performance against the ROI speaks volumes of the talent and dedication of our players,” said Khanna.
Earlier this week, Punjab U-23 team defeated Mumbai on the basis of their first innings lead to win the CK Nayudu Trophy at the Maharaja Yadavindra PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh.
