Pankaj Dharmani stars in PCC's triumph

Chandigarh, Sep 23 (UNI) A brilliant unbeaten knock of 74 by prolific Punjab batsman-wicketkeeper Pankaj Dharmani helped Punjab Cricket Club rout Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Academy by seven wickets in the All India JP Atray Cricket Tournament here today.

By securing five points, including one bonus from this victory, PCC were leading their pool with nine points. HPCA Academy bowed out of the race for the title despite their two victories. Today, they got a minus point.

In another matches, PCA Colts beat Minerva CA and won by five runs while Oil and Natural Gas Corporation by five wickets.

Batting first after winning the toss at the Tau Devi Lal Cricket Stadium in Panchkula, HPCA suffered three quick wickets for 19 runs in 7.3 overs. Medium pacer Gangandeep Singh removed openers Mohnish Gupta (6) and Hemant Dogra (2) in quick succession. At the other end Manpreet Goni dismissed Paras Dogra (4) and skipper Sangram singh (12). Then a fifth wicket partnership of 42 runs between Mukesh Sharma (42) and Avinish Sharma (37) helped HPCA post 163 runs in 46 overs. Gagandeep (2 for 20), Manpreet Goni (2 for 26) and Sumit Sharma (4 for 27) bowled well for PCC.

In reply PCC scored 165 for 3 in 36.2 overs and won the match by seven wickets. Skipper Pankaj Dharmani remained unbeaten on 74. His innings was studded with nine four. Ravneet Ricky made valuable 32.

Dharmani and Ricky were involved in a fruitful stand of 65 runs in 19 overs for the secod wicket. Pankaj Dharmani was awarded with the man of the match award.

Meanwhile, At the St John's School in Sector 26, ONGC won the toss and opted to field first. They bundled out IOC Mumbai for 164 runs in 42.1 overs. Opener Mithun Barella (42, 2x4s, 1x6), Amit Dhani (26, 3x4s, 1x6), Mandher Phadke (22) were their main run getters for IOC.

Vikramjit Malik (3 for 34), Sumit Narwal (2 for 23) Amit Bhandari (2 for 20) and Sarandeep Singh (2 for 43) shared the spoils for ONGC.

Replying ONGC scored 165 for 5 in 29.5 overs and registered five wickets win and logged five points, including a bonus. Radhey Shyam top-scored with 84 (7x4s, 4x6s). He was involved in a 55-stand with Mayank Tehlan (23). Rizwan Shamshad (22 n.o) was the other main contributor. Anand Rajan (2 for 51) was the main wicket taker for IOC. Radhey Shyam was declared the Man of the Match.

At JR Insitute of Cricket Technology at Barwala, PCA defeated Minerva Cricket Academy by 5 runs. The match was reduced to 35 overs because of wet conditions.

PCA Colts won the toss and batting first scored 180 for 6 in 35 overs. Southpaw Ankur Kakar (56 runs, 5x4s, 2x6s) and wicketkeeper Chandan Madan (55, 4x4s, 1x6) were their main scorers. Pardeep Sahu (3 for 31) was the most successful bowler for Minerva Cricket Academy.

Minerva Cricket Academy folded up for 175 in 34.5 overs. Ankit Rawat (35) and Rajinder Bisht (31) were the main run getters for Minerva Cricket Academy. Vipin Chauhan (3 for 26) was the most successful bowlers for PCA Colts. Chandan Madan was declared Man of the Match.

Tomorrow's fixtures: MRF Chennai XI vs RCA XI at D.A.V. School Sector 8 Chandigarh. MPCA vs LIC St. John's School Sector 26 Chandigarh. PCA Colts vs Air India PCA Stadium Mohali.

UNI