SAGAR VIRK SMASHES CENTURY; ARJUN RAJPUT NAMED ‘PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT, PCA PRESIDENT AMARJIT MEHTA CONGRATULATES SQUAD: “COLTS MADE UP FOR PAST MISS”
Face2News/Chandigarh
Punjab Under-19 put on a clinical all-round performance to defeat Mumbai Under-19 by 7 wickets in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy Elite final at The Daly College Ground in Indore, securing their first title of the domestic season.
After narrowly missing out on the silverware as runners-up last season, Punjab made no mistakes this time, reclaiming the prestigious trophy after a long wait. Congratulating the team on this historic triumph, Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) President Amarjit Mehta said that this marks the state’s first title of the current season. He noted that while the squad fell agonizingly short in the final last year, the young colts completely redeemed themselves with this dominant performance.
Mehta emphasized that alongside the players’ grit and determination, the coaching and support staff played an instrumental role in the success, adding that the victory is a matter of immense pride for Punjab and that every state squad across age groups remains a strong title contender this season.Earlier, batting first, Mumbai Under-19 posted a competitive total of 281/9 in their 50 overs.
Arjun Gadoya anchored the innings with an unbeaten 109 off 112 balls, supported by Harsh Gaikar’s fluent 66 off 61 deliveries. Punjab’s bowling unit kept the scoring in check, led by disciplined spells from Ishan Sood (4/32 in 10 overs) and Sahibjotveer Singh (4/49), while Jaipartap Singh Johal picked up a wicket.
Chasing 282, Punjab overhauled the target with ease, reaching 285/3 in 46 overs with four overs to spare. Wicketkeeper-opener Pranshu Pratap laid a solid foundation with a 45-ball 40. ‘Player of the Match’ Sagar Virk then took control, stroking a match-winning 111 off 119 balls studded with 16 boundaries, and shared a pivotal stand with Rishabh Gupta (59 off 72 balls).
Captain Arjun Rajput provided the finishing fireworks, blazing an unbeaten 55 off just 33 deliveries featuring two fours and five sixes, while Umesh Gill remained unbeaten on 7. For his outstanding leadership and consistent run throughout the competition, Arjun Rajput was adjudged the ‘Player of the Tournament’.
