NEW DELHI: Punjab’s batters clicked together to lay a massive platform before the bowlers wrapped up a thumping 183-run victory over Madhya Pradesh, sealing a semifinal spot in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Tuesday.
Put in to bat, Punjab rode on skipper Prabhsimran Singh’s classy 88 off 86 balls, Anmolpreet Singh’s fluent 70 from 62 deliveries, Nehal Wadhera’s rapid 56 off 38 balls and Harnoor Singh’s steady 51 off 71 as they piled up an imposing 345 for six in the quarterfinal.
Earlier, Ramandeep Singh provided the finishing touches with a brisk 24 off just 15 balls at the death as Punjab closed in on the 350-run mark.
In response, Madhya Pradesh were bundled out for 162 in 31.2 overs.
Tripuresh Singh (2/61 in 10 overs) and skipper Venkatesh Iyer (2/60 in 7 overs) were the pick of the bowlers for Madhya Pradesh.
Punjab batsmen set the tone
Iyer’s call to bowl first failed to pay off as Punjab got off to a flying start, with openers Prabhsimran and Harnoor stitching together a solid 166-run partnership in a little over 21 overs.
The pitch offered good value for shots and both batters made full use of the conditions, putting the MP attack under pressure while laying a strong foundation for a big total.
Aryan Pandey finally provided the breakthrough by removing Harnoor in the 22nd over, but Anmolpreet walked in and kept the momentum going with his positive strokeplay.
Blending caution with aggression, Prabhsimran looked set for a hundred as he built a strong stand with Anmolpreet.
However, Kuldeep Sen brought an end to Prabhsimran’s innings in the 30th over when he was caught by Saransh Jain.
Naman Dhir chipped in with a few boundaries before departing for a 23 off 20 balls.
Punjab were 199 for three as the innings moved into the 36th over, and Nehal Wadhera then joined Anmolpreet at the crease.
MP collapse after early setback
Wadhera’s arrival completely shifted the tempo of the innings as he added a quick 76-run stand with Anmolpreet for the fourth wicket, using sharp running and regular boundaries to keep MP on the back foot.
Madhya Pradesh, in contrast, endured a nightmare start and slumped to 66 for five inside 17 overs. When Rajat Patidar fell for a 40-ball 38 in the 27th over with the score at 132 for seven, the contest was effectively decided.
Apart from Patidar, only Tripuresh Singh (31) managed to cross 30 in a disappointing batting display for MP. All-rounder Iyer, who had enjoyed a fine tournament with both bat and ball, could not make an impact in the knockout clash.
Sanvir Singh (3/31 in 6 overs) emerged as the most successful bowler for Punjab, while Gurnoor Brar, Krish Bhagat and Ramandeep Singh chipped in with two wickets each to complete a dominant all-round performance.
(With PTI Inputs)
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