Shubman’s ton powers Punjab to victory
Alur (Karnataka), Feb. 11: A superb ton by Test batsman K.L. Rahul (107) went in vain as Karnataka lost to Punjab by four runs on Sunday in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Group A league match here. Earlier, Punjab, riding on under-19 World Cup star Shubman Gill’s brilliant unbeaten knock of 123 made 269/3 in 42 overs in a game reduced after a delayed start owing to a wet outfield. The right-hander hit eight fours and six sixers in his 122-ball innings and put on 125 runs for the second wicket with Mandeep Singh (64). In reply, the home side looked in control as long the stylish Rahul was at the crease. He was also involved in an even 100run partnership with Pavan Deshpande (53). However, the exit of Deshpande pegged Karnataka back.
Rahul fell with 21 runs to go but skipper Vinay Kumar’s 26 couldn’t take the team over the line. Karnataka continues to top the table with 10 points from four games, while Railways, Punjab, Odisha and Baroda have eight points each.
Railways, Odisha and Baroda have played three games while Karnataka and Punjab have played four matches each. In other matches, Odisha thrashed Assam by nine wickets as Rajesh Dhuper (70 not out) and skipper Govinda Poddar (50 not out) reached the target of 137 in 25.4 overs and Railways posted a 51-run win thanks to an solid batting effort by the toporder.
Meanwhile, Opener Unmukt Chand was back among the runs with a knock of 90 as Delhi thrashed Bengal by 89 runs to continue their winning streak.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, Delhi posted a competitive 282/2 in the stipulated 50 overs at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium. In reply, Bengal were all out for 193 in 41 overs with Abhimanyu Easwaran making 67 off 89 balls in the Group B match.
Delhi were off to a steady start as Unmukt and Hiten Dalal added 67 runs for the first wicket. Last match centurion Dhruv Shorey fell cheaply for 11 after Dalal’s departure, but Unmukt found an able ally in Nitish Rana, who slammed 48 off 42.