Face2News/Chandigarh
Despite a thrilling win and maximum four wins in the pool D, Chandigarh failed to secure a place in the knockout stage of the Ranji Trophy with a remarkable 54-run victory over hosts Chhattisgarh at Raipur on Sunday. The standout performer Jagjit Sandhu delivered a sensational bowling performance and claimed six wickets.
Batting first, Chandigarh posted a total of 283 runs in their first innings. In response, Chhattisgarh put up a strong fight and scored 406 to secure a crucial 123-run lead. Chandigarh approached their second innings with caution and managed to post 299 runs. Skipper Manan Vohra led from the front with a well-knock of 54, while unbeaten Amrit Lubana (43) and Mayank Sidhu (47) aptly supported Vohra. and posted a competitive target of 177 runs..
Defending the target, Jagjit Sandhu provided early breakthroughs by dismissing Chhattisgarh's captain AG Tiwari (1) and Ashutosh Singh (0). Abhishek Saini joined the attack and removed Sanjit Desai (6) reducing the hosts to 25/3. Despite a 40-run partnership between Ayush Pandey (41) and PM Yadav (27), Sandhu continued his fiery spell, dismissing Yadav and later dismantling the middle order by removing Shashank Chandrashekhar (2) and Ajay Mandal (12).
Defending the target, Jagjit Sandhu provided early breakthroughs by dismissing Chhattisgarh's captain AG Tiwari (1) and Ashutosh Singh (0). Abhishek Saini joined the attack and removed Sanjit Desai (6) reducing the hosts to 25/3. Despite a 40-run partnership between Ayush Pandey (41) and PM Yadav (27), Sandhu continued his fiery spell, dismissing Yadav and later dismantling the middle order by removing Shashank Chandrashekhar (2) and Ajay Mandal (12).
Vishu further strengthened Chandigarh’s grip on the match by sending back the well-set Pandey followed by Ravi Kiran (4) and Vishwas Malik (0). Sandhu then completed his six-wicket haul by dismissing Prashant Sai (1), wrapping up Chhattisgarh’s innings for just 122 runs. Sandhu finished with outstanding figures of 6/51, while Vishu contributed with 3/31. Sandhu was declared as Man of the Match.
Coach Ravi Kant Sharma and Assistant Coach Sandeep Arora played a pivotal role in Chandigarh’s victory, guiding the team with strategic planning and motivation. Coach Sharma while commenting on the team’s determination said, "Jagjit Sandhu’s exceptional spell turned the game in our favor, but it was a collective effort that brought us here."