Punjab lift Merchant trophy by virtue of first innings lead

Chennai, Jan 14 (UNI) Punjab lifted the Vijay Merchant trophy by virtue of their first innings lead as their Under-17 cricket championship final against Mumbai ended in a draw here today.

Punjab, who resumed their first innings in a piquant situation at the overnight score of 225 for 9 and needed five runs to surpass Mumbai's score with just one wicket in hand, however, gained a slender 13 run lead scoring 247. For Mumbai left arm spinner Syed Iqbal claimed four wickets for 84 runs, taking the wicket of the last Punjab batsman.

Mumbai set Punjab a target of 134 in a minimum of 46 overs after declaring their innings at 146 for 8 in 34 overs in their second innings.

Punjab could score only 69 runs losing four wickets in 50 overs as the match ended in a draw. First innings hero Perry Goel top-scored with an unbeaten 22 including six fours. A Chawla made an unbeaten 20 with five fours.

Brief Scores: Mumbai 229 and 146-8 decl in 34 overs. Punjab 247 and 69-4 (Perry Goel 22 n.o, A Chawla 20 n.o).

UNI