Saurashtra log win over Chandigarh lads

Chandigarh, January 25

An overall fine performance helped Saurashtra log an easy nine-wicket win over Chandigarh during the ongoing Col CK Nayudu Trophy match at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 26.

The Chandigarh batters failed to perform in both innings. Chasing 285, the local lads bundled out at 117 in the first innings, and following on, the hosts posted 233 before getting all out. Needing 65 runs to win the match, Saurashtra lost the only wicket and took home three points. The unnecessary attitude of the local batters also led to some unruly scenes as the match referee raised strong objections against the host team. The match referee was unhappy with a Chandigarh opener, who had allegedly hit the wickets in frustration after losing his wicket in the second innings on Tuesday. The match referee called the opener and the team’s assistant coach. The matter reportedly took a turn for the worse as the support staff backed the batsman. However, the matter was later settled. A similar incident was reported on Monday, when the local coach was asked to report to the BCCI referee after the team’s physiotherapist was sent on the field. The local staff maintained that the call (to the physiotherapist) was made by the player, not the management.

Meanwhile, resuming their overnight total of 213/8, the host batters bundled out at 233. Gurtaj Singh Bains and Nishunk Birla started the innings, but only contributed 10 runs as Bains (45 off 70 balls, with six boundaries and two sixes) turned out to be Sammar Gajjar’s fifth victim of the second innings.

Down to 223/9, Birla, joined by Mohammed Ashad, added 10 runs to the last wicket partnership. Birla was caught by Ruchit Ahir off Arth Yadav for 79 off 107 balls, studded with 13 boundaries. His wicket curtained the Chandigarh innings. Chasing an easy total, Saurashtra’s Raxit Mehta (25) led the chase with Smitrajsinh (23) and Nihar Vaghela (21). Birla claimed the only wicket for the bowling side.

High drama on field

The match referee was unhappy with a Chandigarh opener, who had allegedly hit the wickets in frustration after losing his wicket in the second innings on Tuesday. The match referee called the opener and the team’s assistant coach. The matter reportedly took a turn for the worse as the support staff backed the batsman. However, the matter was later settled