Gitansh, Kabir steer Ludhiana to 4-wkt win over Ropar

Punjab State Inter-District One Day Cricket Tournament

Sports Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 20

Wicketkeeper-batsman and skipper Gitansh Khera played a fine unbeaten knock of 101 runs while Kabir Grewal chipped in with an equally useful contribution of 54 runs to steer hosts script victory by four wickets against Ropar in the third league match of group B during the ongoing Punjab State Inter-District One Day Cricket Tournament played at the GRD Global Education Institute ground on Hambran Road today.

Ropar captain Nitin Kamboj won the toss and decided to bat first. They were off to a good start as the opening pair of Nitin and Kunwarjeet Singh posted 41 runs in the 10th over on the board before the latter losing his wicket after making 24 runs.

Batsmen came and left but the skipper, Nitin, managed to keep his wicket intact. He was out eventually after contributing 90 runs with the help of five hits over the fence and two sixes. Ropar scored 252 runs after losing seven wickets.

Other notable scorers were Sunpreet Singh (24), Madhav Pathania (25), Kanwalpreet Singh (20) and Jujhar Singh (20*).

For Ludhiana, Deepin Chitkara secured two wickets for 41 runs in 10 overs, Hartejasvi Kapoor captured two wickets for 48 runs, Gurmehar Singh claimed one for 36 and Harshit Takkar grabbed one for 76.

Ludhiana too began on a positive note with Tikshan Tangri and Nehal Wadhera put on 56 runs for the opening wicket. Tikshan left after scoring 30 runs and Nehal (33) followed him quickly.

After their departure, the hosts lost three quick wickets (5 for 96 after 25.2 overs), forcing them to go into shackles. Gitansh Khera, however exhibited grit and patience. He found an able partner in Kabir Grewal and the duo pulled their side out of woods.

The pair added invaluable 121 runs for the sixth wicket and put their side in sight of victory. Kabir faced 57 balls for his innings of 54 runs, laced with two sixes and four boundaries.

Gitansh remained unconquered on 101 which came off 86 deliveries, including twelve hits over the ropes and played the pivot role in the hard-fought victory.

For Ropar, Anush Prashar and Madhar Pathania got two wickets each while Kawalpreet Singh scalped one victim.

In the last league match, Ludhiana will clash with Moga here on September 24.