Ranji Trophy: Kunal scores century, Chandigarh trail by 270 runs

Chandigarh, January 14

Despite an unbeaten century by Kunal Mahajan and half centuries by Arslan Khan and Rajangad Bawa, Chandigarh trail by 270 runs on the third day of the ongoing Ranji Trophy match against hosts Goa.

Resuming their innings from 73/1, Chandigarh lads were playing at 348/5 at the drawn of the stump. The batters are facing an uphill task of chasing Goa’s first innings total of 618. Bawa and Mahajan held the fort and gave some hope to the side by raising an unbeaten stand of 148 runs. While Mahajan completed his unbeaten 109 off 222 balls, studded with 15 boundaries, Bawa scored unbeaten 64 off 171 balls, with eight boundaries and one six. At the drawn of the stumps, Chandigarh was at 348/5, still trailing by 270 runs.

Railways in command

Back at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Punjab lads struggled at 93/6 in reply to Railways’ 345. Punjab had one of their worst days as the side was reduced to 56/5. However, Prerit Dutta (25) and Abhinav Sharma (12) scored unbeaten contributions to close the day at 93/6. Himanshu Sangwan picked 4/24, while Yuvraj claimed 2/28 for the bowling side.

Bansal’s ton helps city

Chandigarh boys made a solid start by scoring 285/4 on the first day against hosts Assam at the Col CK Nayudu Trophy in Guwahati. Arnav Bansal scored 167 off 168 balls. Chandigarh won the toss and decided to bat. With the dismissal of Nehal Pajni (30) and skipper Arjun Azad (6), the side was on the back foot at 82/2 before Bansal’s knock.