Sahara tops the pool in Sheesh Mahal cricket

Lucknow, May 4 (UNI) Host Sahara India today topped the table of pool ''A'' of the ongoing Sahara City Homes Sheesh Mahal cricket tournament here today.

Sahara India and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) teams had already qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament.

However, on the third day of the tournament, not even a single delivery was bowled in the match scheduled between the two at the Chowk stadium due to wet ground conditions by yesterday's heavy rains.

The teams shared two points each and with two wins in the league stages, they accumulated 11 points to their credit. But Sahara with better 'net run rate' topped pool'A', while ONGC remained on the second spot.

In the other match of the same pool ITC, Delhi beat Colombo Colts, Srilanka by 56 runs in a reduce over match. The match had no significant impact in this pool, as both the teams had no point and were already eliminated from the semi-finals.

Due to poor light conditions in the morning, the match started late, which resulted in curtailing down the stipulated 40 to 24 overs a side. ITC scored 178 for the loss of five wickets. Opener Pradeep (58) and middle order batsman Naman Sharma (74) displayed good cricket for the third wicket partnership of 119 runs.

In reply the Sri-Lankan side mustared only 122 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.

From tomorrow the matches of pool 'B', having teams of Pakistan's Rashid Latif XI, UPCA, Punjab Cricket Association and Indian Airlines, will start their campaign.

UNI