Punjab crush Himachal by innings and 343 runs

Punjab handed down a humiliating innings and 343-run defeat to Himachal Pradesh in their North Zone under-14 tournament match at the Dhruv Pandove Stadium in Patiala on Tuesday.

Set to get 405 to avoid an innings defeat, Himachal Pradesh were shot out for just 62 runs in their second innings. None of the batsmen reached double figures with the exception of Aditya (27). All the six Punjab bowlers shared the spoils with Jund (3 for 10) being the pick of the lot.

Earlier, on the first day, opting to bat, Himachal Pradesh were bundled for a paltry 24. Four of the batsmen failed to open their account. Harmanjit, with figures of 3 for 5, was the pick of the bowlers. In reply, Punjab declared their first innings at 429 runs for seven. Openers A Vinayak (29) and Karan Goel (50) gave Punjab a good start by putting on 81 runs in 18.3 overs. Then with the score reading 125 for 4, M Bhatia (87) and U Kaul (95) added 163 runs for the fifth wicket in 45.4 overs. A seventh wicket partnership of 132 runs off 29 overs between A Jund (50) and P Sharda (79) ensured Punjab a big lead. Punjab got eight points.