Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Kolkata
Rishi Dhawan’s fine all-round show enabled Himachal Pradesh to stop hosts Bengal from logging full points in their Ranji Trophy Group D encounter.
Having conceded a huge 213-run lead, Himachal Pradesh gave a much better account of themselves in the second innings, scoring 353. Priyanshu Khanduri (95), Prashant Chopra (81), Nikhil Gangta (57) and Dhawan (51*) were instrumental in HP putting up a big total in the second innings. Mohammed Shami took 5/109 and Ashok Dinda 3/74, but they were frustrated by stiff resistance by the batsmen, especially late in the innings. Dhawan played 90 balls and, more importantly, had a ninth wicket stand of 39 with Sidharth Sharma (1), consuming around 90 minutes of play.
Shami wrapped up the tail en route his sixth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket but by then HP had done enough to avoid defeat and ensure one point from the match.
Bengal were left to chase 141 for an outright victory in the final session, but under fading light, the task was next to impossible.
Bengal, though, took on the challenge, promoting Wriddhiman Saha to open the innings but first innings centurion Raman (0) was gone first ball off a mistimed pull off Dhawan.
India A batsman Sudip Chatterjee (6) and skipper Manoj Tiwary (2) were sent back in successive overs before Dhawan accounted for Shreevats Goswami (11) too. Chatterjee (6) edged one to gully while skipper Tiwary was cleaned up off an inside edge. His dismissal forced Saha (34*) to play for a draw and secure three points. Dhawan’s four-wicket burst made the captains decide to call it a draw when Bengal were 65/4 in 15 overs.
