Chandigarh Adviser's XI beat Press Club in Banerjee trophy

Chandigarh, Jan 28 (UNI) Brilliant knocks by opener Narinder Kwatra and middle order batsmen Vivek Atray helped Adviser's XI, led by Lalit Sharma, to retain the Samuel Banerjee Trophy after beating Press Club XI by six wickets in the annual cricket match played at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium here today.

Chasing a total of 153 for victory, Adviser's XI achieved their target in 23 overs by scoring 156 for 4. Narinder Kwatra and Sukhvir Singh opened their innings. Adviser's XI lost the wicket of Sukhvir, who was run out early in the innings and new comer Dr G S Sandhu also disappointed as he returned to the pavilion without opening his account.

Vivek in association with Kwatra then steadied the innings by dispatching the Press Club bowlers over the ground.

The partnership was finally broken by Ramesh Sharma who dismissed Vivek (33 in just 42 deliveries) but not before he sent the ball to the fence four times. Dr Rajat Bhandari contributed 11 runs and hit one four before he was bowled by Subhash Rajtha. Daniel Bannerjee remained not out on 7.

Kwatra's undefeated innings of 68 came in from just 67 deliveries and was studded wit six hits to the fence.

Subhash Rajtha was the most successful bowler for Press Club, bagging two wickets for 17 runs.

Earlier, Press Club XI made 153 for 6 in the allotted 25 overs.

Maneesh Chhibber (12) and Ajay Bhardwaj (1) opened the innings, but both returned to the pavilion without making any significant contribution.

Later, Jaipal Singh batted with confidence and complied 65 runs in 61 balls. His innings was studded with nine fours before being dismissed by Dr Rajat Bhandari (1 for 28). All-rounder Kamleshwar made 7 before he was bowled by Narinder Kwatra (2 for 12 from five overs). Rohit Awashti made a valuable 49 and was run out by Narinder Kwatra.

Jaipal Singh was adjudged the best batsman. Subhash Rajtha and Vineet Punia were declared the best bowler and the best fielder, respectively. As expected Narinder Kwatra was declared the best all-rounder. .

UNI