Akash Vasisht, Praveen Thakur slam tons to defy Punjab

New Delhi, February 20

Himachal Pradesh fought back through lower-order resistance, with centuries from Akash Vasisht and and No. 8 Praveen Thakur, to salvage a draw against Punjab in their Ranji Trophy Group F match here today.

Having conceded a 172-run first innings lead, Himachal Pradesh resumed the final day on 151/5 and lost only three more wickets in nearly 65 overs today to reach 402/8

Vasisht, who was unbeaten on 36 overnight, added 172 runs with Praveen Thakur (103 not out) for the seventh wicket to eke out a hard-fought draw for the team.

Vasisht slammed 15 boundaries en route his career-best 140 from 196 balls, while wicketkeeper-batter Thakur, who came in at 172/6 at the fall of captain Rishi Dhawan, struck 13 fours in his 103, which came off 163 balls.

Punjab gained three points by the virtue of their first innings lead while Himachal Pradesh had to be content with one point. — PTI

Brief scores: Himachal Pradesh 354 and 402/8 (Vasisht 140, Thakur 103*; Markande 3/103) vs Punjab 526; Haryana 556 and 81/1 vs Tripura 436 (Gohel 122)