Tags:
Journalism of Courage
CHANDIGARH, July 19: Fighter XI won the third CNS Trophy cricket tournament beating Tari XI by 23 runs at the local DAV College ground today.
Tari XI, chasing Fighter XI8217;s total of 185 for 9 in 40 overs, never looked like matching the required run rate to be restricted to 162 for 9 in their share of 40 overs.
Fighter XI managed to post a fighting total thanks to a brilliant rear guard action by the duo of Manoj Rajan, who had a pretty good tournament with the bat, and veteran H S Sodhi, who played the match despite running high fever.
They resurrected their side from a precarious 87 for 6. Though, the two started cautiously, H S Sodhi lashed out at the Tari XI bowlers later. He took 18 runs off a Sukhwinder Tinkoo over and that set the tone for Fighter XI to overcome a slow paced wicket and heavy outfield which had all along been a deterrent for batsmen.
Sodhi made 38 while Rajan played a responsible, yet strokeful innings of 39, rotating the strike with singles and twos and chipping in with an odd boundary here and there.
Seamers Baljit Rana and Sandeep Sonu were the pick of the Tari XI bowlers, capturing three wickets each.
Fighter XI8217;s left arm-right arm fast bowling pair of Parveen Sharma and Iqbal took a wicket each in their respective first overs and Tari XI were in trouble straightway. Sukhwinder Tinkoo and Ravinder Nain made a valiant attempt to revive their side8217;s fortunes but once left arm spinner Arun Sharma was introduced into the attack, Tari XI lost control. Sharma first had Nain caught behind by Gurbachan and then beat Tinkoo with his flight to have him stumped. His third victim was Sandeep Saini and that took the fight out of Tari XI.
Arun Sharma was the man of the final. Manoj Rajan and Baljit Rana were the best batsman and bowler of the tournament.
Surinder Bhardwaj, president city Janata Dal, was the chief guest and gave away prizes and momentoes to the players.
Scores: Fighter XIL: 185 for 9 Manoj Rajan 39, H S Sodhi 38, Preet Mohan Singh 28, Hitesh 19; Baljit Rana 3-27, Sandeep Sonu 3-27 beat Tari XI: 162 for 9 Baljit Rana 40 n.o., Sukhwinder Tinkoo 27, Gurpreet 23; Arun Sharma 3-25, Iqbal 2-24.
