Face2News/Chandigarh

Despite a draw between Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh at the concluded Vijay Merchant Trophy held at Shimoga (Karnataka) on Monday, UT colts managed to make it to the knockout round. HP scored 282 runs in reply to Chandigarh's 338/5. Akul Bhanot (154) and Anurag Budhwar (125) scored centuries for Chandigarh while Adil Rana (116) scored a century for HP.

Parth (5/54) was the most successful bowler for the UT side. Chandigarh scored 231/3 in the second innings which was well supported by half-centuries from Yashjit Singh (69) and Anurag Budhwar (50). The team posted a target of 288 and in reply HP managed 164/1 which ended in a draw. 

With the draw, UT colts who were in third spot, jumped to second place. While Chhattisgarh slipped down after losing to Delhi by nine wickets. Punjab has become the first team to reach the knockout round in the pool by registering two wins in the tournament. Chandigarh also qualified with one win and four draws.