Patiala and minor districts matched evenly for Katoch shield

Patiala, Sep 2 (UNI) Honours were even on the opening day of the two-day Katoch Shield match between the fancied Patiala and Minor Districts here today at the Dhruv Pandove Stadium.

Batting first, Minor Districts were all out for 206 in 74.5 overs. Harikrishan Kali, who made a painstaking half century (58),which contained 6 fours, was the only batsman who played with some authority.

Karan too played well for his invaluable 45, while Imran Khan scored 28 to push the score.

For Patiala, Birinder Singh bowled superbly to capture five wickets, giving away 72 runs, Rajinder Golu took three for 51.

Though Patiala scored 74 for 3 in 18 overs at stumps, Pankaj Dharmani, Patiala's star batsman, was solidly unbeaten on 49 and seems to be set for a big score tomorrow.

Giving him company is Ankur Jund on a score of 2.

For Minor Districts, Harikrishan Kali and Rahul bagged one wicket each, conceding 29 and 12 runs respectively.

However, scarce audience were damper despite Punjab Cricket Association's claims about promoting cricket.

UNI XC JN BK1819