Punjab wins Schools National cricket tourney

Mumbai, Nov 23 (UNI) The in-form Punjab team carried their good performance in the finals as they defeated Delhi by 14 runs in the finals of the 53rd National Schools Cricket Tournament for Boys U-14 held at the P J Hindu Gymkhana here today.

The highlight of the day was Abhishek's superb 5-wicket haul and Gangandeep's knock of 52 runs that helped Punjab to lift the title.

Luck started favouring Punjab right from the toss, which they won and decided to bat. Opener Gagandeep Singh proved his captain's decision right top scoring with a gutsy knock of 52 runs in 68 balls including six fours.

Prabjot Singh also chipped in with 20 runs to help Punjab reach a respectable total of 155 for 8 in 35 overs. Their bowlers further carried on the good show put up by the batsman. The bowlers stuck to pace and precision keeping the pressure on the Delhi batsmen.

The Delhi boys were finally bowled out for a total of 141 in 34.4 overs. Delhi batsman Ankush Bains was their top scorer with 26 runs in 54 balls and Ashutosh Sharma scored 25 runs in 40 balls with three fours.

Punjab bowler Abhishek proved to be the star of the day with economical figures of 5 wickets for 18 runs. The winners Punjab received Rs 15,000 while Delhi pocketed Rs 10,000.

Brief scores: Punjab 155 for 8 in 35 overs (Gagandep Singh 52, Prabjot Singh 24, J Parharia 2/27, Siddharth Sehwag 2/29, Summet Jain 2/25) bt Delhi 141 all out in 34.4 overs (Ankush Bains 26, Ashutosh Sharma 25, Abhishek 5/18, Ravi Kumar 2/21) won by 14 runs.

Man of the Match: Abhishek (Punjab).

Best Wicket Keeper: Ankush Bains (Delhi).

Best Bowler: Siddharth Sehwag (Delhi).

Best Batsmen: Amit Bacheria (Uttar Pradesh).

Best All Rounder: Deven Gaud (I.P.S.C).

UNI