Uttranchal and Chandigarh qualify for semis

Panchkula, May 26 (UNI) Uttranchal and Chandigarh joined Indian Twenty20 Cricket Federation and Uttar Pradesh in the semi-finals of the first Super Zone National Twenty20 Cricket Championship at the Devi Lal Sports Complex here today.

Uttranchal won both their matches in group C. They found an easy prey in Mumbai whom they routed by eight wickets and later they snatched an exciting 11-run triumph over Madhya Pradesh to remain unbeaten in their pool and emerge leaders.

In a crucial Group D fixture, Chandigarh defeated powerful West Bengal who had five current Ranji Trophy players in their ranks, by four wickets. Bengal won the toss and elected to bat first piled up 121 for 7 in 20 overs.

Bengal openers Wriddhiman Saha (16) and Sounak Das (10) put on 29 runs before Das was caught by Saida Khan of Rahat Elahi. Wriddhiman also departed on the same team total.

Abhishek Jhunjunwala scored 28 runs. A 35-run partnership between Alokendu (21) and Sanjay Goel (25 not out) helped West Bengal to score 121 for 7 in 20 overs. Rahat Elahi (2 for 20), Ravi Dhaliwal (2 for 16) and Farman Ahmed (2 for 19) were the most successul bowlers for Chandigarh .

Chandigarh made 122 losing 6 wickets in 18 overs with opener Abhinav Verma who remained not out 51, hitting six fours, steered his team to victory. Saida Khan made 21 before he was adjudged leg before wicket to Abhijit Ganguly (3 for 14).

Yesterday's hero for Chandigarh, Harikishan Kali made 16 and Rahat Elahi scored 13.

Meanwhile, Uttranchal defeated Madhya Pradesh by 11 runs. Batting first Uttaranchal scored 134 for 5 overs. Rajat Chawla (42, 6x4s), Ravi Dhaliwal (43 not out, 6x4s, 1x6) and Ashih Joshi (30) were their main scorers.

In reply, Madhya Pradesh could make 123 for 9 in 20 overs. Opener Umashankar (22) and Brijesh Patel (24) were their main run getters.

Sunny Rana (2 for 24), Rajan Kumar (2 for 20) and Navnish (2 for 17) denied MP a win.

Uttranchal's win made them emerge as group leaders.

Uttranchal also beat Mumbai by eight wickets in the morning session.

Brief scores: Group D: West Bengal: 121 for 7 in 20 overs (Writhdiman Saha 16, Sounak Das 10, Abhishek Jhunjunwala 28, Alokendu 21, Sanjay Goel 25 not out, Rahat Elahi (2 for 20), Ravi Dhaliwal 2 for 16, Farman Ahmed 2 for 19).

Chandigarh: 122 for 6 in 18 overs (Abhinav Verma 51, 6x4s, Saida Khan 21, Harikishan Kali 16, Rahat Elahi 13, Abhijit Ganguly 3 for 14, Suman Chakraborty 1 for 26, Sumen Karmakar 1 for 15).

Group C: Uttranchal: 134 for 5 in 20 overs (Rajat Chawla 42, Ashish Joshi 30, Ravi Bisht 43 not out, Amit Sharma 1 for 46, Ashutosh 1 for 28, Vived 1 for 18).

Madhya Pradesh: 123 (Umashankar 22, Avijit Mandal 14, Anupam Rathore 14, Brijesh Patel 24, Sunny Rana 2 for 24, Rajan Kumar 2 for 20, Navnish 2 for 17, Shekhar 1 for 25, Ravi Bisht 1 for 30).

Mumbai: 72 in 19.3 overs (Avinash Kingaonkar 14, Anil Shelke 8, Vijay Bundacha 9, Rajan Kumar 3 for 11, Sunny Rana 2 for 15, Ravi Bisht 2 for 7, Navnish 2 for 9).

Uttranchal: Vijay Shar 10, Harsh Vardhan 24, Ashish Joshi not out 26, Mohd Imran not out 9, Mohd Mujawar 1 for 23, Aslam Shaikh 1 for 17).

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