Air India and IOC snatch dramatic wins

Chandigarh, Sep 19 (UNI) A scintillating knock of 71 by Robin Uthappa helped Air India to snatch an exciting one-wicket win over Madhya Pradesh in the 13th prize money All India JP Atray Cricket Tournament here today.

Chasing a victory target of 225, Air India achieved the target by scoring 226 for 9 in 43.3 overs.

Madhya Pardesh Cricket Association were dismissed for 225 runs in 49.5 overs. MP lost three quick wickets for just 36 runs.

The MP innings was however propelled by Mohinish Mishra, who was unlucky to miss century by one run.He was caught and bowled by spinner Neeraj Patel. Mishra's 99 came off 92 balls in 146 minutes.

He hit eight fours and and four sixes. He and Sunil Dholpure (39) were involved in a 51-run stand for the 5th wicket.

For Air India , Neeraj Patel (2 for 34) was the other successful bowler. Air India started their run chase with Indian star Robin Uthappa and Naman Ojha. They were associated in 105 runs partnership before Naman Ojha was caught by Sachin of Jitender for 31 of 44 balls inclusive 5 fours and one six.

Uthappa hit all-round the wicket 11 sweetly timed boundaries and two huge sixes before holing out to Varma at deep mid-wicket of the bowling of Jitendera for 71 of 41 balls in 63 minutes. Parveen Kumar scored 39 in 40 balls, hitting five 5 fours and one six.

Sitting pretty at 172 for 5, Air India slumped to 179 for 9 in 35.6 overs. This turn about was brought by incisive MP right arm medium pacer Surdhira (4 for 31).

Air India found their men of the moment in Mandar Dhalvi and Sidharth Trivedi who held on tenaciously for 47 balls to take their team to the victory target in 43.3 overs.

In another match at DAV School ground, Indian Oil Corporation defeated defending champions Minerva Cricket Academy by five runs.

Batting first, the IOC innings terminated at 237 in 50 overs.

Spirited bowling by medium pacer Anand Ranjan (5 for 55) sealed the fate of Minerva Cricket Academy and their innings folded up for 234 in 49.5 overs. Anand Ranjan was declared Man of the Match.

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