Ludhiana triumph over Fatehgarh Sahib on basis of 1st innings lead

Sports Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 20

Hosts Ludhiana were declared winners on the basis of first innings lead against Fatehgarh Sahib in the first league match of group B in the Inter-District Cricket Championship for Katoch Shield played at the Hara School of Cricket ground, Baddowal, near here, on Friday.

Yesterday, Ludhiana declared its first innings at 327 for 5 after 71 overs in which the main contributor was skipper, Nehal Wadhera, who remained unbeaten on 204 runs while Davinder Sidhu made 42 runs, Tanroop Saini scored 37 and Tanishq was not out on 21.

Fatehgarh Sahib, at draw of stumps, in their first innings were fighting against the walls with only 32 runs on the board after losing six wickets in 19 overs.

Resuming their innings, Fatehgarh Sahib, today were bowled out for 100 runs in 62 overs. The highlight of their first essay was a half century by seven down batsman, Lovepreet, who faced 107 balls, hit five boundaries in his innings of 50 runs.

For Ludhiana, Baltej Singh was the pick of bowlers. He secured five wickets for 11 runs in 14 overs. Siddant Tiwari Om captured three wickets for 11 runs while Deepin Chitkara and Harshit got apiece each.

Enjoying 227 runs lead, Ludhiana forced follow-on and the visitors were made to bat again. In the second innings, Fatehgarh Sahib batsmen played well and were 102 for four after 44 overs when it was called a day. Lovepreet remained unconquered on 36 runs while Devi Chand was not out on 22 whereas Kuljit chipped in with 20 runs.

As the two-day tie could not be completed, Ludhiana on the basis of first innings lead, were awarded the match and earned three points while Fatehgarh Sahib had to content with one point.

In the second match, which is scheduled to be played here on August 22 and 23, Ludhiana will take on Mohali.