The encounter between two heavy weights-Chandigarh and Mohali- has always been mouth-watering. Both the teams have always called for high-intensity and action filled matches. It was no different on Tuesday when both the teams once again engaged in an exciting encounter during the third round matches of the Punjab State Under-22 Cricket Tournament played at the Sector 16 Cricket stadium. However, Mohali took the honours on the first day as their batsmen helped the team pile on a handsome total.

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Mohali mustered a sound total of 377 in 94.4 overs. After losing the first wicket cheaply, Mohali batsmen Ankit Pursharthy and Sachin Sohal stitched 108 runs for the second wicket before Ankit was caught by Bawa off the bowling of Anshul Tripathi. He made 67 off 145 balls with the help of ten boundaries. Two quick wickets in succession put Chandigarh on top but Gurkirat Mann and Arshdeep Brar were involved in a century stand (101) for the fifth wicket that once again brought Mohali back into the match. Arshdeep returned back to the pavillion after a well-made 45 off 80 balls.

However, Gurkirat continued in the same vein and smashed a quick-fire 36 off 28 balls and was involved in a 93-run stand for the sixth wicket with Gunjot Singh. Gurkirat, who has been in good form, struck a superb 109 off 100 balls. Gurinder Singh and Anshul Tripathi took three wickets each for Chandigarh.

In reply, Chandigarh were 6 for no loss in five overs.

Brief scores:Mohali (1st innings): 377 all out in 94.4 overs (Gurkirat Mann 109, Ankit Pursharthy 67, Sachin Sohal 65, Arshdeep Brar 48, Gunjot Singh 36, Gurinder Singh 3 for 104, Anshul Tripathi 3 for 146); Chandigarh (1st innings): 6 for no loss in 5 overs (Amit Prashar 3 no, Manan Vohra 3 no).

Chawla saves the day for PatialaHolding on one side firmly as wickets fell regularly at the other end, Himanshu Chawla emerged as hero of the day for Patiala as he helped the team muster a competitive 308 in 82 overs in the match played at Jalandhar.

Opting to bat first, Patiala lost their first wicket cheaply before Jeevanjot and Amitoze got together and put on 91 runs in 110 balls for the second wicket. Thereafter, Patiala lost few quick wickets but then Himanshu and Vikramjit resurrected the visiting team’s innings by stitching 82 runs for the sixth wicket.

Himanshu who was looking good for a century, missed out on the feat when he holed a Yogesh Kumar delivery to the mid wicket where Maninder took an easy catch to send him packing on 95. He took 147 balls for his effort and struck 10 boundaries. Yogesh Kumar was the pick of the bowlers as he completed a five-wicket haul (5 for 82), while Maninder bagged three wickets.

Jalandhar were 40 for 1 in 12 overs. They lost opener Nitish for 23 on the last ball of the match.

Brief scores:Patiala (1st innings): 308 for all out in 82 overs (Himanshu Chawla 95, Amitoze Singh 61, Jivanjot Singh 34, Vikramjit Singh 36, Yogesh Kumar 5 for 82, Maninder Singh 3 for 89, Manpreet Singh 2 for 51); Jalandhar (1st innings): 40 for 1 in 12 overs (Nitish 23, Robin Singh 15 no).

Ludhiana batsmen shineA Collective batting effort by Ludhiana batsmen helped the team finish the first day on a high during their match against Kapurthala at Ludhiana. Batting first, the hosts amassed 399 for 8 in 95 overs. Bharat Malhotra (108), Gitansh Khera (87), Sunny Pandey (59) and Akhil Aggarwal (48) were the run scorers for the hosts.

A second wicket partnership of 95 runs for the second wicket set the tone for Ludhiana innings. Then a fourth wicket partnership of 132 runs between Gitansh and Bharat helped the team build platform for a good total. Similarly, another fruitful partnership of 75 runs for the fifth wicket between Bharat and Deepak Bansal further swelled the team’s total. In the process, Bharat completed his century (108 off 159 balls) with the help of 11 boundaries and a huge six.

Gagan added a quick-fire 39 off 18 balls to help the team reach 399. Krishan picked up three wickets for 109 runs.

In reply, Kapurthala were reeling at 57 for 5 in 13 overs at the end of the day’s play. Baltej Singh scalped three wickets, while Deepak Bansal took two wickets to leave the team tottering. Four of the five batsmen failed to open their account. Mandeep Singh was batting on 42.

Brief scores:Ludhiana (1st innings): 399 for 8 in 95 overs (Bharat Malhotra 108, Gitansh Khera 87, Sunny Pandey 58, Akhil Aggarwal 48, Deepak Bansal 39, Gagan 39, Krishan 3 for 109); Kapurthala (1st innings): 57 for 5 in 13 overs (Mandeep Singh 42 no, Baltej Singh 3 for 26, Deepak Bansal 2 for 26).

Loomba helps team take leadRiding high on Sharad Loomba’s unbeaten 91, Amritsar took an unassailable 45-run lead over Mansa in the fourth match played at Amritsar. Batting first, Mansa were bundled out for 131 in 50.2 overs. Lakshay Seth took four wickets, while Shubham Khanna and Charanjit Singh bagged two wickets each.

In reply, Amritsar were 176 for 3 in 42 overs at the end of the day’s play. Loomba was batting on 91 off 109 balls. He was involved in a 63-run partnership for the third wicket with Amandeep Bawa. Aman Bharti took two wickets.

Brief scores:Mansa (1st innings): 131 for all out in 50.2 overs (Manpreet Singh 27, Aman Bharti 26, Lakshay Seth 4 for 28, Charanjit Singh 2 for 29, Shubham Khanna 2 for 35); Amritsar (1st innings): 176 for 3 in 42 overs (Sharad Loomba 91, Mohit Handa 14 no, Aman Bharti 2 for 52)