City boys beat Haryana by 3 runs, enter semis

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 27

Helped by Naman Bansal, Chandigarh U-17 team today defeated Haryana in a nail-biting finish to ensure a berth in the semifinals of the ongoing National School Games being held in Mumbai.  

After an initial wobble, Haryana were looking set to overhaul the 134-run target set by Chandigarh with Aryan (28) and Ankit (23) stitching a 51-run partnership for the fifth wicket. 

However, Bansal dismissed both batsmen in one over before removing Maulik in his next over to reduce Haryana 119/7. 

Needing 14 runs in last over, Haryana batsmen failed to reach the target, falling short by three runs. Besides Bansal, Shubham Bisht claimed 3/40, while Raj Angad took 2/23.

Earlier put in to bat, Haryana bowlers led by Anmol bundled out Chandigarh for just 133 runs in 35 overs.  

Anmol claimed 5/14, while Avneesh returned with match figures of 3/11. 

For Chandigarh, Aryan scored 36 runs, while skipper Aayush Sikka contributed 25 runs to the total. 

Chasing the 134 for victory, Haryana got off to a poor start as they were reduced to 67/4 in 11 overs.