
A much subdued Yuvraj Singh on a slow dead wicket and excellent batting by opener Karan Goel were probably the highlights from an otherwise slow and sluggish Twenty20 match between Punjab and Services at the Air Force grounds in Palam on Saturday.
Going by stats, it never really looked like Punjab, who were chasing a mere 112, were ever in any trouble during the match, but a light drizzle and a score of 65 for 3 after 13 overs did worry many in the Punjab dressing room, especially after they lost the wickets of Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Mongia in quick succession.
The scare, however, disappeared with the sun setting in and Goel 66 n.o taking the Services bowlers to the cleaners. Punjab reached 115 runs in 18.3 overs losing just three wickets. Karan8217;s innings included three fours and an equal number of sixes.
One was perhaps hopeful of seeing some fireworks from Yuvraj Singh. On the contrary, the southpaw scored only 17 runs in 30 balls. Credit goes to the Services bowlers, who kept a tight line and rarely gave him any space to swing. The pressure eventually piled up on him and he got stumped off Devesh Chauhan8217;s bowling. Earlier Services were got cleaned out for just 111.
In another match Delhi lost to Haryana by six wickets at the Ferozeshah Kotla, which resulted in them getting eliminated from tournament. Delhi, after deciding to bat, were able to make 152 for 7.
Brief scores
Services 111 lost to Punjab 115/3 Karan Goel 66 no.
Delhi 152/7 Virat Kohli 35, Mitthun Manhas 30, Amit Mishra 3/34 lost to Haryana 154/4 in 19.3 overs Sunny Singh 55, Mahesh Rawat 39.