Punjab in a 'pit' despite good knocks by Anil, Raina, Perry,

Chennai, Jan 13 (UNI) Punjab were in a piquant situation losing nine wickets for 225 runs replying to Mumbai's first innings score of 229, at stumps on the penultimate day of the four-day Under 17 cricket championship final for the Vijay Merchant trophy here today.

With just one wicket in hand, Punjab are still four runs behind Mumbai and under pressure of conceding the crucial first innings lead as the match is heading for a draw with just a day's play remaining on the morrow.

When Punjab resumed their innings at 83 for two, the overnight batsmen Kanwar Raina (50, 227 balls, seven fours) and Perry Goel (44, 224 balls, three fours) carried forward their fruitful association and added 95 runs for the third wicket, batting together for 433 balls.

However, it was Anil Sihag who top scored with 66 (248 balls, three fours) and with H Chowla (44, 140 balls, seven fours), he added 66 runs for the sixth wicket off 246 balls. But Punjab lost their ninth wicket off the last ball of the day when Anil Sihag fell to a catch at slip off Mumbai's left arm spinner Syed Iqbal, who claimed three wickets for 74 runs.

Brief Scores: Mumbai 229, Punjab 225-9 165 overs ( K Anwar Raina 50, Perry Goel 44, H Chowla 44, Anil Sihag 66, Syed Iqbal 74).

UNI