Fighting Services hold Haryana to a draw

On Sunday, the last day of the North Zone Ranji Trophy tie between Services and Haryana at the Air Force Station Ground in New Delhi, the final result was a draw in spite of a stunning batting display by Haryana captain Parinder Sharma.

Services started the day on 312/9 in their first innings trailing behind Haryana's first innings score of 389. In the fourth over of the morning Services were all out for 327 giving Haryana a lead of 62.

Haryana wanted to force an outright victory and went on the offensive. Their second innings was a kamikaze effort. Captain Parinder Sharma hit a whirlwind unbeaten 103 off 72 balls including 12 fours and a six. Wickets fell at the other end like nine pins but Parinder Sharma was riding his luck to glory.

S Dalal (20) and Jasvir Singh (25) were the only batsmen to give Parinder some kind of support. As soon as Parinder reached his century Haryana declared their second innings on 176/8 in 26.2 overs.

Services had their task cut out. They were set 239 in 56 overs for a win. The match was poised for a close finish. So it did. At close Services were 152/7 clinging on to dear life. Haryana tried their best to force the issue through Pankaj Thakur 2/45 and Amit Mishra 3/69. Services owe their three points to Harish Bhaskar (30) and Sarabjit Singh (51). Haryana collected five points thanks to their first innings lead.