Railways in do-or-die battle

It might have well been just a niggle,but the prospect of an injury to their main fast bowler on the eve of their last league match against Railways could be a worrying thought for the Punjab team management.

Although the visitors are sitting relatively pretty on 16 points as compared to Railways (13 points),both teams will be contesting a virtual pre-quarterfinal match over the next four days.

Technically,Mumbai are the third team competing for the remaining two quarter-final spots in Group A,but with a much better net run rate quotient than the other two and also on 16 points,Mumbai’s participation in the three-way race is purely academic. Hence,the equation is simple. Railways require an outright victory,whereas a draw would ensure that Punjab make it into the last eight.

On familiar home conditions and playing on a pitch conducive to spin,Railways have the right ingredients to set up a thriller. “It is a do-or-die match for us,but it doesn’t mean we have to play senselessly just because we need an outright victory. If we stick to our plan and play positive cricket like we have done before,things should go our way at home,” Railways captain Murali Kartik told Sportline.

Late recovery
Once struggling at four points from as many games,Railways have earned nine points in their last two to throw the group wide open. Kartik & Co turned the tables in their match against Gujarat,where they claimed an outright victory with a bonus point. In their next match against Hyderabad,they earned three points for their first innings lead.

“The shared points due to bad weather have cost us in the long run. We had scored 419 in the first innings against Himachal here,before the match was called off,and it was the same case against Orissa in Bhubaneshwar,where we had made 307 for 8 declared. It is unfortunate,but we’re looking ahead as we’re still in with a good shot,” Kartik added.

Punjab’s route to the next round may seem easier than the home side,but skipper Pankaj Dharmani is not willing to let his guard down. “Although we can make it through with just a draw,we are looking to win the match with conviction. We do not want to go into this game with a defensive mindset,” Dharmani said,adding,“We have a confident lot and the team’s approach to the game could change the momentum,” he added.

But with a dearth of slow bowlers in their side,and doubts over Gony — who has 23 wickets in the last three games — the pressure will be firmly on 27-year-old Love Ablish to see them through. Ablish is coming off an 11-wicket match haul against Orissa,where he scalped his second six-for this season. “Railways are known to prepare a spinner-friendly track since it is their strength. But we have the firepower to take us through it,” Dharmani added.